Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Today's motion is about a serious issue of which we are all acutely aware. Words are cheap but it is fair to say our health service is in difficulty. However, this Government is working hard to address the problems that exist in our hospitals. We all want a better service. No one wants to see patients, particularly the elderly, on trollies, and no one wants staff working under huge pressure, as at present.

For 2016, the health service will have funding of €13 billionfor current expenditure. This represents a €900 million increase over the funding for 2015. However, it is not a question of achieving a quick fix with funding alone, and one size does not fit all. The emergency department task force is committed to tackling the overcrowding problem, and hospitals have plans in place to deal with the additional challenges that appear during the winter months. By comparison with last year, the number of patients on trollies has decreased. However, this time of year results in ever-growing concerns about emergency departments, which are stretched to their limit. There is an increase in the number falling ill, especially with respiratory problems and also influenza and other symptoms. This is particularly the case among the elderly and children. The winter vomiting bug is a virus that has hit homes strongly, and some end up having to go to hospital for a short stay as a consequence. This has put considerable pressure on hospitals, particularly on beds.

During 2015, additional funding of €117 million was provided to the HSE to relieve emergency department overcrowding pressures. There is a renewed focus on interventions in community and primary care to try, where possible, to prevent unnecessary visits to emergency departments.

The Minister recognises the need for more beds at this time of year, and funding of €18 million has been made available to support the opening of new ones. Beds that have been closed are to be reopened.

Other issues concern staff and the shortage of nurses and doctors with specialist training. Unfortunately for the HSE, it has been difficult to recruit staff, particularly nurses and doctors, because some have already entered the private health service and are reluctant to come out of it. We need to attract health care professionals to work in our health service by providing acceptable working conditions where staff are not overwhelmed. Their being overwhelmed can undermine patient safety.

It is important to acknowledge that one of the most vulnerable groups at this time of year comprises the elderly, particularly those with respiratory problems, who always need to be hospitalised, unfortunately. Owing to the increased number of people at work, it is harder to mind older and sicker people at home. It is not the fault of the families concerned.

It is Government policy to support older people in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. As others have said, this is the key to providing a service in a community where people can be looked after by health care providers and served well.

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I commend home helps who provide an important service that needs to be further supported and strengthened in the community. Without the many people who call daily to the homes of elderly people and others to provide assistance, the health service would experience even greater difficulty.

Home care packages are another vital resource to support older people in their homes. More than 1,200 additional home care packages were provided by the end of 2015. Many of my constituents and, I am sure, those of other Deputies, have seen how home care packages improve people's lives by enabling them to remain at home. Family members also have time to spend with their loved ones and do not constantly have to visit them in hospital.

The fair deal scheme is working well and the waiting time for processing applications has declined significantly from 11 to four weeks. However, the waiting time to access beds in nursing homes is a problem in some areas. I speak specifically of Cherry Orchard Hospital in my constituency where there is significant demand for more beds and the new Hollybrook nursing home in Inchicore. Staff in these facilities do wonderful work. I commend, in particular, the staff of Cherry Orchard Hospital. People do not always appreciate the effort being made to provide services for older people.

Primary care is the key to reducing pressure on hospitals. I fully support the extension of local services, for example, out-of-hours and X-ray services and minor surgery.

I commend Sinn Féin, especially Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, on tabling the motion, although I will not support it. The Government is on the right track.

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