Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Data from the HSE TrolleyGAR indicate that there was an improvement nationally from January to early May. The Deputy is correct that there has been an increase in trolley numbers since May. This is due to a series of factors, including an increase in emergency department attendances, elective activity and delayed discharges in certain hospitals. The figures remain too high; there is no question of that. The Department of Health continues to work with the HSE to identify measures across all hospitals to reduce overcrowding and drive those key implementation measures, which the Deputy referenced, aimed at reducing trolley numbers and improving patient experience and access to care in our emergency departments.

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