Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018
339. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the additional measures being put in place in each community health organisation, CHO, area further to recent comments by a union (details supplied) warning that 2018 is forecast to be the worst year ever for hospital patient overcrowding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46633/18]
View answerMy Department is working closely with the HSE to ensure the most effective response to this winter within current capacity and resources. As part of this process, the HSE requested singular integrated winter plans from Hospital Groups and Community Health Organisations in June 2018.
€10 million in additional funding has been allocated in 2018 primarily for provision of supports to get patients home from hospital, where appropriate, before the end of the year. My Department sanctioned the release of €5 million of this additional funding to support the deployment of social and primary care measures to support this transition in October.
In addition, I have requested, in the context of the National Service Plan, that the HSE plan activity in 2019 to manage critical demand pressures, most particularly in respect of increased attendance at emergency departments. This planning will include activity in hospitals, primary care and community care to ensure that the system is working at full capacity throughout busy periods.
Winter Planning is at an advanced stage and once completed, my Department and the HSE will be in a position to outline the integrated plans by Hospital Group and CHO.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
