Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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993. To ask the Minister for Health when a full return to outpatient service is expected; and the metrics that will be used to decide same. [10276/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE is currently recommending that only critical time dependent elective procedures are undertaken at this time due to the on-going and significant increased demand for bed capacity related to Covid-19.

This decision was made arising from the rapid increase in Covid-19 admissions and to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work.

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 concerning a full return to outpatient services and the metrics that will be used to decide same, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.