Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

751. To ask the Minister for Health the reason haemochromatosis patients are having their treatment deferred indefinitely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9611/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The initial focus of the Government’s response to Covid-19 was aimed at measures required to interrupt the transmission of Covid-19 and related steps.  In regard to health considerations, this included that all non-essential surgery, health procedures and other non-essential health services were postponed.

The postponements accord with the National Action Plan published on 16 March, which sets out that elective and OPD activity should be restricted in order to maximise patient flow through hospitals. A key consideration in taking this approach was to prevent infection risk to patients in an evolving situation. Consideration is currently being given to how to increase delivery of services beyond time-critical essential services in line with the recommendation that delivery of acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision making. This will include implementation of processes to mitigate risks associated with Covid-19 for both patients and healthcare workers.

Individuals with hereditary haemochromatosis can continue to donate blood at all Irish Blood Transfusion Service fixed and mobile blood donor clinics free of charge.  The IBTS has advised that first time donors have been restricted from attending clinics because of Covid-19. Hereditary Haemochromatosis donors will need to make an appointment with the IBTS before attending a clinic. Individuals wishing to donate must fulfil the eligibility criteria that is laid out on their website www.giveblood.ie