Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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80. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the substantial increase in overcrowding in Sligo University Hospital emergency department over the first four months of 2018 relative to the same period in 2017. [23536/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In the context of a difficult winter for our health services, further compounded by Storm Emma, the first 4 months of the year saw a rise of 13.9% of patients on trolleys nationally, as compared to the same period in 2017. This reflects a rise in demand for unscheduled care across the hospital system, characterised by increased attendances and admissions, in particular, of those in the over 75 age group.

In relation to Sligo University Hospital, the first four months of the year saw a significant increase in trolley numbers, up 77.7%, on the same period last year. This was against a background of:

- a 3.5% rise in overall ED attendances;

- a 4.5% rise in ED attendances by those in the over 75 age group;

- a 2.6% rise in overall ED admissions; and

- a 5.7% increase in ED attendances by people in the over 75 age group

The combination of these factors, including increased admissions by those over the age of 75 who tend to have more complex needs and longer lengths of stay, contributed to the significant increase in trolley numbers experienced by Sligo University Hospital between January and April this year.

As Minister for Health, I am committed to continuing the effort to address overcrowding in our Emergency Departments and, in particular, the capacity of the system to respond during periods of peak demand. In this context, I have asked my Department to work with the HSE to identify the location and mix of beds across the hospital system, which can be opened and staffed this year and into 2019 in order to improve preparedness for Winter 2018/19.Proposals received from the HSE in this regard are currently under consideration by my Department.