Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021
716. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase bed capacity and address the overcrowding crisis in Portiuncula Hospital as part of the Saolta Hospital Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59042/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPortiuncula University Hospital, like many hospitals, is dealing with increasing levels of attendances to its Emergency Department. This increase is resulting in a higher number of admissions to the hospital. The care needs of many of these patients require a greater length of stay in hospital. Covid-19 is also continuing to have a significant impact on bed capacity, either in caring for patients with the virus directly, or as a result of bed closures caused by Covid restrictions.
Bed capacity has also been impacted by staffing resources. A significant overseas Nursing recruitment campaign is being progressed by the Saolta Group with the intention of having additional resources coming into the service within the next 3 months. Interviews are on-going at present, with an expected arrival date of January 2022 for the first tranche of nurses.
The design of a 12 bedded isolation ward in a vacated area of the hospital is progressing and it is expected that this work will be completed in 2022.
In addition, a new ward block development will provide a 50-bed replacement ward. Tenders are due in for this work in December, with the intention of awarding a contract early in 2022.
In addition, the Saolta Group is working with colleagues in Community Healthcare West and Community Healthcare Organisation 1 to enhance community care, particularly in relation to respiratory, diabetes and older peoples services. This will help to reduce the number of future admissions to the hospital.
