Jack Chambers
Ceist:37. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his views on whether it is appropriate for endoscopy day beds in Connolly Hospital to be used to cope with emergency department overcrowding. [17096/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 19 April 2018
Ceisteanna (37)
Freagraí scríofa
Against a background of growing demand for unscheduled care and high acute hospital occupancy rates, Government provided €30 million in 2017 and a further €40 million in 2018 for measures to increase acute hospital capacity and alleviate overcrowding in Emergency Departments (EDs). Almost 50% of this funding was used to deliver home support packages and transitional care beds to reduce the incidence of delayed discharges. Furthermore, over 200 beds have been opened this winter and more beds are due to come on stream later in the year.
Notwithstanding the increased level of resources provided, this winter has been particularly difficult for our health services with ED attendances up 3.7%, admissions up 3.3% and trolleys up 13.1% during the first quarter of the year, as compared to the same period in 2017.
The situation was further exacerbated by Storm Emma and the severe weather that followed. In response to this, I approved a further €5m in emergency funding to provide additional home support packages and transitional care beds to assist the safe discharge of patients who required support to return home following the adverse weather.
In the light of the conclusions of the Health Service Capacity Review that the system will need nearly 2,600 additional acute hospital beds by 2031, I have asked my Department to work with the HSE to identify the location and mix of beds across the hospital system which can be opened and staffed this year and into 2019 in order to improve preparedness for Winter 2018/2019.
In relation to the specific question asked regarding the use of endoscopy day beds in Connolly Hospital, as this is a service matter I have referred it to the HSE for a direct response.