Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 December 2018
54. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his views on the finding in the patient experience survey that just 15% of respondents in Connolly Hospital said they were admitted to a ward within six hours of their arrival at the emergency department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50708/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Patient Experience Survey provides an invaluable insight into the care patients receive in our hospitals and is an essential service for policy makers, service providers, and regulators. It is encouraging that 84% of participants nationally reported a positive overall experience in our hospitals. This year's survey also showed improvement in the dignity and respect patients reported experiencing while in hospital compared to the previous year.
In relation to Connolly Hospital, 83% of participants said they had ‘good’ or ‘very good’ overall experiences.
It is a matter of concern, however, that just 15% of participants from Connolly Hospital said they were admitted to a ward within six hours of arriving at the emergency department (ED). As of the end of September 2018, the HSE reported that 49% of people attending at Connolly Hospital ED were discharged or admitted within six hours of registration. This compares to 65% nationally and falls short of the target of 75% in the HSE's National Service Plan.
While hospitals are increasingly operating at or above capacity, with year-round demand pressures that are further challenged over the winter months, it is regrettable that any patient, and especially older patients, should have to wait for admission to a hospital ward.
The 2018/19 Winter Plan, which runs from 1 December 2018 to 31 March 2019, is now in place and is due to be launched by the HSE on the 6th of December. The Plan includes a period of focused action from 17 December 2018 to 13 January 2019 targeting nine key hospital sites of concern identified on the basis of pressures experienced in previous winters. A priority of the Plan is ensuring that the values of Patient Dignity and Respect are upheld at all times, especially at times of overcrowding.
