Written answers

Wednesday, 13 January 2021

Photo of Bríd SmithBríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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920. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that patients invited to attend an outpatient appointment with a neurologist (details supplied) at St. Vincent’s University Hospital who have been given the option to attend, cancel or rebook in the past are now being informed that they have only one opportunity to rebook and then must take the subsequent appointment or be removed from the waiting list; his views on whether, during the Covid-19 pandemic, those with underlying health conditions or legitimate concerns about the current level of infections and are keen to comply with public health advice should be penalised by choosing to defer the appointment during the pandemic having spent several years on the waiting list in the first place; the reason for this change in hospital policy on neurology outpatient appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1073/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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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 relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

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