Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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178. To ask the Minister for Health the efforts the HSE is putting in place to ensure the large number of persons on trolleys at Sligo University Hospital does not continue for the duration of the winter period in view of recent numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47249/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department is working closely with the HSE to ensure the most effective response to this winter within current capacity and resources. As part of this process, the HSE requested integrated winter plans from Hospital Groups and Community Health Organisations in June 2018.

€10 million in additional funding has been allocated in 2018 primarily for provision of supports to get patients home from hospital, where appropriate, before the end of the year.

In addition, I have requested, in the context of the National Service Plan, that the HSE plan activity in 2019 to manage critical demand pressures, most particularly in respect of increased attendance at emergency departments. This planning will include activity in hospitals, primary care and community care to ensure that the system is working at full capacity throughout busy periods

I expect to be in a position to outline the full details of the Winter Plan 2018/19 very shortly.