The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, has today welcomed the figures on urgent and emergency care, showing incremental improvements nationally.
These figures show, when compared to 2024 a significant reduction of 8% in the number of patients waiting on a trolley at 8.00am over the first ten months, equating to 7,800 fewer patients. This is despite over 1.34 million presentations to emergency departments, a 4% increase.
Several sites continue to consistently achieve good operational grip, thereby avoiding congestion. Hospitals that excel in this area, such as Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, University Hospital Waterford, and Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, demonstrate that it is possible to maintain safe and efficient patient flow even under pressure.
Notwithstanding these improvements, performance since the start of November is of concern, with emergency departments experiencing significant pressure. These pressures will intensify further as hospital presentations increase over the coming weeks due to the expected spread of influenza like illnesses. With the rising incidents of influenza, the public and healthcare workers, in particular, are encouraged to avail of vaccinations.
It is essential that focused and sustained actions are taken immediately to stabilise services and to provide assurance that risks to patients are being actively mitigated.
To facilitate sustainable enhancements in the timely provision of urgent and emergency care, emphasis has been placed on delivering integrated services throughout the entire week. A key component of achieving consistency is through the full implementation of the Public Only Consultant Contract. This strategic implementation ensures enhanced senior decision-maker presence and service delivery during evenings and weekends, which is crucial for improving patient flows, significantly reducing trolley waits, and reducing overall Emergency Department congestion throughout the week to benefit all patients.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
“I want to acknowledge the continuous hard work of all health care workers in contributing to the delivery of our urgent and emergency care services. The improved figures demonstrate the commitment of our doctors, nurses, paramedics and support staff to delivering high-quality care under significant pressure.
“It is also a testament to the ongoing improvements in our health service including new patient pathways, investment in resources, and the tireless work of all those on the front lines. I would like to thank everyone involved for their extraordinary efforts to ensure patients received timely and appropriate care.”
The Minister also acknowledged the significant planning and coordination undertaken by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and local hospital teams in advance of the bank holiday, which were instrumental in managing demand and maintaining patient flow. Which resulted in 14% fewer patients waiting on trolleys at 8am over the October bank holiday weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday) compared to the October bank holiday weekend 2024.
Minister Carroll MacNeill added:
“While tough challenges remain in our health service, these results highlight what can be achieved when staff are supported and when a whole-service approach is taken. We must continue to build on this progress as we face into the demands of the busy winter period.
“My Department remains committed to supporting urgent and emergency care services, with ongoing investment in staff, infrastructure, and innovative solutions to ensure that patients receive the care they need in a timely and efficient manner.”
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