Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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381. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the future provision of healthcare during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he has considered specialist Covid-19 units in order that other hospitals could operate as normal carrying out non-essential procedures. [10069/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I take the Deputy's question to relate to provision of non-Covid acute services specifically.

In line with the National Action Plan for Covid-19, delivery of essential non-Covid acute care has continued to date, albeit at lower volumes than previously, often in alternative locations and using innovative methods of care delivery. Where possible, hospitals are working to provide services in a different way, which includes virtual clinics for some out-patient department appointments. The potential for certain hospitals, including private hospitals, to provide non-Covid care has been recognised as part of the solution for ensuring continuation of time-critical care, including cancer surgery, during the first phase of the pandemic.

My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to estimate the impact of Covid 19 on scheduled care waiting lists, with a view to informing activity going forward. As the system continues to deliver Covid-19 and non-Covid 19 care side-by-side over a more prolonged period, my Department and the HSE will continue to work closely together to protect essential non-Covid 19 acute care and progress the provision of more routine non Covid-19 care.

The HSE has advised that it is working to develop a strategic framework for service continuity, as part of re-establishing services across all settings, including acute settings. I expect that consideration of how and where Covid and non-Covid acute services will be delivered in the next phase of the pandemic will be informed by that work.