Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 May 2025
371. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to reports that chemotherapy procedures for children are being delayed and-or cancelled due to IT failures, specifically WiFi issues, at Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin; her plans to address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21962/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Oncology Team in Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) is committed to delivering safe care in the most compassionate manner to children and young people with cancer.
CHI has advised that the majority of chemotherapy appointment delays or deferrals are due to patient-specific reasons and are based on clinical decisions relating to the patient’s medical condition at the time. CHI further advises that delays or deferrals due to bed or staffing capacity are rescheduled to the earliest available time which is usually the next day.
CHI has been validating inpatient chemo deferrals since September 2024. The validation reports show that there have been no chemotherapy appointments reported as delayed or cancelled due to Wi-Fi issues.
As the delay or cancellation of appointments are an operational matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
