Increased demand for health services is evident across acute hospital services this year with a 5% increase in ED attendances and a 4% increase in inpatient and day-case activity to end October 2016, in comparison with the same period in 2015.
Trolley numbers have been high in November due to increased ED attendances, greater incidence of infection in several hospitals and a high rate of elective activity in hospitals to address waiting lists. It is unacceptable that patients wait on trolleys for long periods especially elderly and vulnerable patients.
The National ED Congestion Escalation Framework sets out procedures for hospitals to use during periods of high demand for emergency care, to ensure that safe care is provided to patients. The HSE intends to undertake a review of the Escalation Framework in the coming months to ensure its effectiveness.
Following the formation of Government an additional €40 million was provided to assist in the management of winter pressures. Utilising this additional funding the HSE developed the Winter Initiative Plan 2016 – 2017 which was published in September. Key aspects of this plan are being implemented at hospital and community services level across the country.
At present approximately 200 additional beds which opened in 2015 under the “Winter Beds Initiative” remain open. Work is under way to open further acute and step-down beds under the 2016 Winter Initiative.
