Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I take on board the points raised by the Deputies and I will bring them to the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly. A person who has a delayed transfer of care is a person who has been deemed clinically fit for discharge from the acute bed, but whose discharge is delayed because he or she is waiting for some form of ongoing support or care following the discharge. There has been a substantial focus in recent years on reducing the delayed transfer of care, commonly known as delayed discharges, and enabling patients to be discharged from hospital sooner. This year the HSE aims to support some 10,900 people to leave hospital through the transitional care funding. Between 1 January and 31 May there were 4,861 approvals nationally, equating to approximately 231 per week, which is 20 per week ahead of target.

Given the increase in approvals over the first part of the year, approval rates must now reduce during the summer months to ensure the service stays within its budget.

Deputy Buckley spoke of the needs of patients, which absolutely must be addressed in line with Sláintecare. Deputy Ferris pointed to the figure of €28.5 million in funding. Deputy Ó Laoghaire referred to deaths and overcrowding, which is not acceptable. We also have to deal with the bed capacity issue. The plan is to invest in more capacity in our health service.

The Independent Expert Review of Delayed Discharges report was published in November. The review recognised the points raised and that delayed discharges are caused by a multitude of factors. The review made nine recommendations that include the development of a national policy to provide for a more consistent approach to recording delayed discharges, strengthening data collection, standardising the definitions and ensuring consistent discharge guidelines.

Following publication of the report immediate focus was on reducing delayed discharges as we entered the winter season through mobilising additional resources that were made available and in ensuring that social care measures were effected without delay.

I will bring the points raised to the attention of the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly. We need to develop the services and deal with the capacity issue.

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