Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 May 2018
69. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the reason behind the substantial increase in overcrowding in Naas Hospital emergency department over the first four months of 2018 relative to the same period in 2017. [23533/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the context of a difficult winter for our health services, further compounded by Storm Emma, the first 4 months of the year saw a rise of 13.9% of patients on trolleys nationally, as compared to the same period in 2017. This reflects a rise in demand for unscheduled care across the hospital system, characterised by increased attendances and admissions, especially of those in the over 75 age group.
In relation to Naas Hospital, the first four months of the year saw a significant increase in trolley numbers, up 75.4%, on the same period last year. This was against a background of:
- a 1.7% increase in overall Emergency Department (ED) attendances;
- a 4.1% increase in ED attendances by persons over the age of 75;
- a 0.9% increase in ED admissions; and
- a 0.1% decrease in ED admissions of those in the over 75 age group.
I am advised by the HSE that delayed discharges in this hospital over an extended period, and bed capacity challenges, have impacted on the hospital's ability to respond during periods of peak ED demand, especially during the winter months. In February 2018, the overall medical length of stay recorded in Naas General Hospital was 7.7 days. Such long lengths of stay are related to the age and acuity of patients and contribute to slower bed turnover, which in turn, impacts on patient flow and ED congestion.
As Minister for Health, I am committed to continuing the effort to address overcrowding in our EDs, most notably, the capacity of the system to respond during periods of peak demand. In this context, 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. Proposals received from the HSE in this regard are currently under consideration by the Department.
