Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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70. To ask the Minister for Health the way in which he plans to deal with the key recommendations and lessons contained within the publication of the Covid-19 Mayo University investigation report; the Department which will oversee implementing of solutions to the key findings; and the timeline for same [23724/20]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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761. To ask the Minister for Health the way in which he plans to deal with the key recommendations and lessons contained within the publication of the Covid-19 Mayo University investigation report; and the Department which will oversee implementing of solutions to the key findings; and the timeline for same. [23852/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 761 together.

The previous Minister for Health requested a report from the CEO of the HSE, on the Covid-19 measures taken at Mayo University Hospital (MUH) from the outset of the pandemic.

My Department received the report on 19 June. The report set out details of the Covid-19 planning undertaken at MUH as part of the overall work of the Saolta Healthcare Group, the considerable challenges faced at the outset and the actions taken to address these challenges.

The report also recommended areas of further action that should be addressed in the context of Covid-19 at the hospital. The HSE advises that MUH is implementing the Covid-19 measures as set out in the report and all immediate term measures are now in place, including the full Covid-19 batch testing now being executed on site, with the longest turnaround time for a test result in the hospital now less than 24hrs. A refurbishment programme of some existing ward accommodation has commenced and will complete in October 2020, resulting in improved facilities for patients.

The HSE also advises that MUH is working through the Saolta Healthcare Group and with HSE Estates to progress with the capital development process to increase in-patient capacity on the hospital site. This includes completion of a feasibility study in relation to the development of a 50 bedded ward block. In the interim, a temporary modular unit is progressing and is due to be on site by early November. As part of the hospital’s Winter Plan, MUH will utilise existing capacity in the new 40 bed acute ward in the Sacred Heart Hospital.

The Covid-19 pandemic has put significant pressure on health facilities in Ireland and worldwide. These key actions put in place at MUH provide assurance that a concerted effort continues to be made to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.