David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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1078. To ask the Minister for Health the lost bed capacity, by type of bed, in acute hospitals due to social distancing and infection control guidelines, by hospital and hospital group, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19058/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The quantification of the level of capacity lost due to social distancing and infection control is being undertaken as part of the planning and actual resumption of services in acute hospital, and the figures requested are not yet available, as they will differ from hospital to hospital based on existing configuration and potential for mitigating actions.

A planning process is underway for the resumption of services which will include the available capacity in the health system.

The HSE published its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a COVID Environment’ in June 2020.  The Framework is available at the following link www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/service-continuity-in-a-covid-environment-a-strategic-framework-for-delivery.pdf

The implementation of the Framework aims to ensure that services are resumed in an integrated, standardised, and phased manner. It consolidates new ways of working and builds on international experience. The Framework outlines the approach taken to prioritise the reintroduction of services, which has informed the more detailed planning for individual service areas. The Framework identified key risks to the introduction of services, including reduced capacity, funding, flexibility to increase/reduce services in a COVID environment, the impact on time-limited/time-critical illnesses and associated outcomes and new ways of working.  This Framework serves as a basis for a consistent approach to decision making regarding service delivery and sets the parameters for the more detailed operational planning across all care settings at local level that is currently being conducted.

Arising from the above mentioned Framework, the HSE have recently launched  a roadmap for the restoration of services, “A Safe Return to Health Services - Restoring health and social care services in a COVID environment” (July 2020 – www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/a-safe-return-to-health-services.pdf ).  This document outlines the phased re-introduction of services that were suspended or reduced as a result of COVID-19 and includes plans on COVID testing and screening, COVID and non-COVID pathways, a public information campaign, continuity planning and staffing considerations. Services will be resumed in a three phased approach between now and February 2021.  The priority is to ensure that service users who require urgent, time-critical care can access the services they need.  These timelines are based on assumptions regarding virus transmission levels and are subject to change as the situation develops.

Work is continuing within the HSE in regard to  the more detailed Winter Planning, and the development of a waiting list and resumption plans.

I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly with the additional information, as soon as possible.