Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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560. To ask the Minister for Health the status of funding for bone density tests in Connolly Hospital in Dublin 15; the waiting time for this test in each Health Service Executive area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6082/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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561. To ask the Minister for Health the number of elective surgeries cancelled in every hospital in each month over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6083/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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562. To ask the Minister for Health the policy regarding the cancellation of elective procedures in hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6084/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In November 2015, in conjunction with the HSE Director General, the Minister for Health issued a National Emergency Department Escalation Framework to hospitals, on how best to manage hospital capacity and patient flow through the hospital at times when there is a surge in demand for emergency care.

At times of surge, when there is significant demand for emergency care, the Escalation Framework envisages that hospitals consider cancelling non-urgent elective procedures. Affected patients are advised appropriately by the hospital and their appointments are rescheduled as soon as possible.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.