Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 December 2025
879. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has reviewed the preparedness of each regional health area for winter pressures; setting out the actions approved, the timelines for delivery, and the performance indicators being used to measure readiness. [69154/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the deputy for his question and to assure him that the Department and the HSE are working collaboratively on operational actions to ensure the health system is prepared for the forthcoming winter period.
As we enter the busiest period for urgent and emergency care the HSE currently hold daily national Urgent and Emergency Care operational oversight meetings 7 days a week, chaired by senior management and attended by Departmental representatives regarding emergency department situation reports.
The Urgent and Emergency Care Operational Plan outlines the four Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) against which its delivery is measured.
|
Trolleys |
DTOC |
24hr PET |
24hr PET |
|
The Average Monthly Trolley Count at 8am 280 |
Total # of Delayed Transfers of Care (DTOC) 300 |
( 75 Years) < 24hrs; 99% |
(All Attendees) < 24hrs; 97% |
These metrics are monitored by the Department of Health through daily reports.
The 3rd iteration of the UEC Plan includes targeted actions and reform initiatives such as providing additional and extended hours for senior decision makers and staff integral to supporting 7/7 operations; and standardising the opening hours of all Injury Units to provide a 7-day service, 8am to 8pm including Bank Holidays.
Extra funding has been provided by the HSE to expand GP services for this winter period with additional 40,000 hours being provided across GP Out of Hours services and the GP Surgery Enhanced Services.
The HSE is engaged in an extensive communications programme of work to protect patients and vital services with the following goals
• High uptake of recommended vaccines in target populations.
• People have information on all the care options available to them, including when and how to seek emergency care.
• People have information on common illnesses, and that they’re supported to stay home when they’re unwell, take care of themselves and limit the spread of infection.
