Health Committee to receive update from HSE on issues facing acute hospitals and the Winter Plan

The meeting will take place tomorrow, Wednesday November 24, in Committee Room 2 between 9:30 to 12:30pm.

The following representatives from the HSE are due to attend the meeting:

·        Paul Reid, Chief Executive Officer

·        Anne O’Connor , Chief Operations Officer

·        Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer

·        Yvonne O’Neill, National Director, Community Operations

·        Liam Woods, National Director, Acute Operations

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Sean Crowe said: “Tomorrow is a timely opportunity for the Committee to receive an update on issues facing acute hospitals and the HSE’s Winter Plan which was published last week.”

“The health service is facing significant challenges in providing emergency care while also dealing with Covid-19 and other winter challenges.”

“The latest surge in Covid-19 cases and ICU admissions has made it clear we are not over the worst of the pandemic. While overcrowding and a lack of capacity in our hospitals during winter is nothing new, it is unacceptable that we still have a lack of preparation to mitigate against this.

“The pandemic has exposed the long-term cost of failing to invest in our health service. We look forward to hearing from representatives from the HSE.”

The meeting can be watched live here.