Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy again. It is something that has been brought to my attention. I have not been at the hospital yet but I hope to be in Galway in the coming weeks. It is something I can address at that stage. I am aware there have been exceptionally high patient numbers recorded, particularly in Galway - 224 on 27 September and 233 on 10 October were recorded. Similarly there has been a high number of patients who have required acute admissions. There are about 40 emergency department admissions each day. Many of the patients are elderly and have a variety of conditions, some of which the Deputy has outlined.

I reiterate that €1.8 million has been allocated to Galway University Hospital in the winter initiative to provide the six new home care packages and 114 home care packages over the winter period. In last year's allocation, we spent approximately €330 million, including €20 million in time related savings which accounted for 15,450 home care packages and 10.4 million home help hours. I cannot tell how many hours and home help packages the additional funding for this year will result in. When the service plan is drawn up, each area, including the CHO we are discussing, will receive additional home care packages and home help.

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