Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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118. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to increase the number of paediatric rheumatologists in Ireland; the number of children waiting on a paediatric rheumatologist referral and the current waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42327/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I sincerely regret that children can experience a long waiting time for Rheumatology treatment, and I am conscious of the burden that this places on them and their families.

Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) has advised my Department that during the initial phases of COVID-19, all face to face hospital outpatient reviews and most of the planned diagnostic tests, including MRI, were deferred in response to the pandemic.  CHI at Crumlin have recommenced the majority of outpatient and diagnostic services, albeit at reduced numbers, due to public health guidelines on social distancing.  Currently, Consultant Rheumatologists are seeing a number of patients in the outpatient suite including urgent patients and those who were deferred during the early phases of COVID-19. 

CHI has further advised that there is an active recruitment campaign for an additional Rheumatology Consultant underway. This addition to the medical staff will allow for an increased number of patients to be seen, diagnosed and treatment initiated, as part of the comprehensive Rheumatology service.

In relation to the number of children awaiting a first Rheumatology Outpatient appointment at CHI, the table attached shows the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) published waiting list figures at the end of October 2020 by time band.

">CHI Waiting Lists