21 May 2021

FODO Ireland member update - 21 May

This week:

• Cyberattack update
• Irish College of Ophthalmologists statement on Covid recovery

Cyberattack update

Further to our update of 18 May, please note:

• HSE has said the criminal ransomware attack had a significant impact on hospital appointments. It has also published clinical guidance for health services during the cyberattack.
• The HSE has advised patients to bring healthcare information with them to any appointment and asked that they read the HSE website service updates page before attending appointments.
• The Journal reports that the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital remains open for emergency and urgent care but has cancelled outpatient services until further notice.

The HSE has said it is making "slow but steady progress" in restoring its IT systems, but that this work "will take many weeks". The current disruption "will continue due to the shutdown of our IT systems".

We know this is a difficult time for patients and you as healthcare providers, so if there are any issues you would like to share or think we should be aware of while seeking a national solution, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. 

Irish College of Ophthalmologists statement on Covid recovery

The Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO) has issued a statement on the phased resumption of eye care services during COVID-19.

The ICO has welcomed the progress made on vaccinations but says it expects a sustained impact on hospital capacity due to the need to maintain infection prevention and control measures, including physical distancing. However, it has said ophthalmology would continue "the phased and accelerated resumption of services [...]and a system of triage care is in operation to prioritise those in need of care".

The ICO advises the public to continue to take immediate action on any sudden change to vision or other concerns and reiterates its message that regular eye examinations are essential for maintaining healthy eyes and vision.