Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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772. To ask the Minister for Health the number of elective surgeries cancelled in emergency departments as a result of overcrowding protocols for each of the years 2014 to 2016, to date, by hospital, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10068/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Escalation Framework was issued to the acute hospitals for immediate adoption in December 2015. The intent is that both capacity and patient throughput are appropriately managed during periods of excess demand. A core component of the approach is to avoid the need for escalation protocols where possible, by improving basic systems and processes and by better understanding variations in demand and in capacity.

When necessary, escalated responses are delivered in a clearly defined three stage process. It should be noted that Steps 1 and 2 of the Escalation Framework allow degrees of flexibility. Stage 2 mandates the identification of non-urgent elective procedures for cancellation, in consultation with relevant consultants, and redeployment of staff to support demand for emergency care.

It is only at Stage 3 of escalation where all admissions are to be carried out through the Emergency Department, that cancellation of all elective surgeries is considered, with redeployment of available elective medical and nursing staff to facilitate patient flow and discharge where possible.

The HSE Special Delivery Unit has conducted reviews at 12 hospitals in order to ensure appropriate implementation of the Escalation Framework. As part of further review visits, all elements of hospitals' responses and escalation preparedness has been examined.

In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.