Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Just as the country recently prepared for Storm Ophelia through public announcements and putting safeguarding arrangements in place, we need to prepare for what could turn out to be one of the most challenging winters facing the health services in decades. All the indications are that Ireland is at high risk of a health crisis this winter due to a combination of a flu epidemic and concerns over the spread of the super bug, CPE. I, therefore, call on the Minister for Health to establish a single task force to deal with the possibility of a deadly combination of the two. It also means that community care will be more important than ever this winter in order that the most vulnerable, in particular, will not have to attend hospitals and, preferably, will not need to stay in hospitals.

The national public health emergency team needs to be convened to deal with this risk. We also need advice for families and people at home, institutions such as nursing homes and day care centres and all health care facilities. Efforts need to be stepped up to ensure the message is getting through in the public information campaign on the anti-flu vaccine, in particular to health care workers and to those working with elderly people to ensure that as far as is possible they get the vaccine. I have had the vaccine and while it does not give complete protection against the viral strain that appears to be coming from Australia, it will give significant protection. It is vital that we have clear thinking about keeping all our health services open and functioning. The Minister needs to keep under review hygiene and cleaning arrangements in hospitals, and for hospital staff, in order that every effort is made to minimise the risk of infection. It is important that we put a plan in place for vulnerable people, whether they are older or younger.

See this speech in context