Catherine Callaghan
Ceist:91. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the progress at transforming the health service into a seven-day-a-week service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52186/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 2 October 2025
Ceisteanna (91)
Freagraí scríofa
Demand for health services and emergency department (ED) attendances is at an all-time high, driven by population growth and changing demographics. While we’ve invested heavily and increased health system staffing by over 24% since 2020, our focus must now shift to maximising that investment—delivering care efficiently, where and when it’s needed.
People do not just get sick during working hours Monday to Friday. As Minister I am committed to delivering a seven-day health service, ensuring people can receive the care they need when they need it.
Expanding to seven-day operations means having senior decision-makers on site evenings and weekends, improving patient flow, extending diagnostics, reducing waiting times and trolley numbers, and offering community-based alternatives to hospital care.
At a recent workshop with HSE leaders from acute and community settings, we reviewed progress on implementing POCC provisions and seven-day working. The meeting marked a key step in preparing for full rollout across health regions.
Encouraging results are already emerging. EDs have seen reduced trolley counts and conversion rates despite rising attendances—Letterkenny University Hospital reported a 24% year-to-date drop in trolley numbers. Weekend consultant presence is enabling earlier discharges and shorter stays; in the Midwest, weekend discharges rose over 50% in July 2025 compared to July 2024.
Expanded theatre and diagnostic access is boosting capacity, cutting cancellations, and accelerating urgent and scheduled care. Outpatient waiting lists have fallen significantly, with most regions meeting or exceeding national targets. At the Mater Hospital, Saturday specialist reviews saw 1,815 patients, with 546 discharged the same day—reducing average stay by 0.5 days.
I will continue engaging with each region to monitor delivery. The priority now is implementation—activating key services during evenings and weekends to ensure patients receive timely, appropriate care.