Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 January 2021
483. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if the HSE secured sufficient supply of liquid oxygen and bottled oxygen to ensure that hospitals continue to have adequate reserves of same to cover increases in gas requirements for long-term ventilated patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2298/21]
View answerThe recent rise in Covid-19 cases in our acute hospitals has led to a significant number of patients requiring advanced respiratory support, both inside and outside the ICU setting. As part of the response to COVID-19, upgrades in oxygen delivery capacity have been completed and oxygen capacity increased by 60% in preparation for surge, oxygen groups are in place in acute hospitals to manage and monitor the position in relation to oxygen, and I understand that the supply of oxygen is not considered to be an issue at this time.
However, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy to provide any further detail available in regard to oxygen supplies.
