Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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313. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to address the rising numbers on waiting lists for access to rheumatology resources in view of the Covid-19 pandemic (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34425/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer most scheduled care activity in March, April, and May of this year. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and urgent time-critical work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in accordance with the advice of the World Health Organisation.

Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.

In terms of the current provision of treatment to patients, the HSE has advised the Department that hospitals continue to offer appointments and treatments to patients. The HSE website provides details on services currently available and operational in each hospital. This is frequently updated by the HSE.

The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such as the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings. The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) is currently reviewing strategies to maximise activity and benefit for patients, to include, increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services where minor procedures are provided at the same time as outpatient consultations, funding hybrid services where public and private hospitals contribute to the treatment of patients, virtual clinics and clinical validation.

The NTPF have advised my Department that they have approved 8 outpatient rheumatology initiatives for funding in 2020. These initiatives will facilitate treatment for over 3,500 patients on rheumatology waiting lists throughout the country.