John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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134. To ask the Minister for Health his views on to the finding in the patient experience survey that just 23% of respondents in Tallaght Hospital said they were admitted to a ward within six hours of arriving at the emergency department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50696/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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According to the National Patient Experience Survey which was published recently, 84% of respondents said they had a very good or good experience in our hospitals. The results regarding the confidence and trust, as well as the dignity and respect patients experience while in hospital, were also encouraging.

It is a matter of concern, however, that in the case of Tallaght University Hospital, just 23% of respondents said they were admitted to a ward within six hours of arriving at the emergency department (ED). Moreover, as of the end of September 2018, 42.5% of people attending at Tallaght University Hospital ED were discharged or admitted within six hours of registration. This compares to 64.6% nationally and falls short of the target of 75% in the HSE's National Service Plan.

While hospitals are increasingly operating at or above capacity, with year-round demand pressures that are further challenged over the winter months, it is regrettable that any patient, and especially older patients, should have to wait for admission to a hospital ward.

The 2018/19 Winter Plan, which runs from 1 December 2018 to 31 March 2019, is now in place and is due to be launched by the HSE on the 6th of December. The Plan includes a period of focused action from 17 December 2018 to 13 January 2019 targeting nine key hospital sites of concern, including Tallaght University Hospital, identified on the basis of pressures experienced in previous winters. A priority of the Plan is ensuring that the values of Patient Dignity and Respect are upheld at all times, especially at times of overcrowding.