Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent)
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139. To ask the Minister for Health the number of attendances at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital accident and emergency department to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50592/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The most up to date validated data in relation to attendances is to the end of October 2018.

Up to the end of October 2018, total ED attendances at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital were 51,571, up 3.1% compared to the same period in 2017.

ED admissions were 15,791, up 3.5% compared to the same period in 2017.

For those over 75, ED attendances were 5,245, up 8.6%,compared to the same period in 2017 and ED admissions were 3,321, up 11.4%, compared to the same period in 2017.

Between January and October 2018, the number of patients recorded as waiting on trolleys at 8am in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital ED was 1,996, a decease of 32.2% compared to the same period in 2017 (2,943).

My Department has been working with the HSE throughout the year to ensure the most effective response to the pressures on our hospital system associated with the winter period. As part of this process, integrated Winter Preparedness Plans have been developed by Hospital Groups and Community Healthcare Organisations to meet the anticipated surge in demand for healthcare services during the winter months. The Plans are designed to optimise existing resources and encompass:

- planning and escalation;

- operational management of patient flow; and

- maintaining public health.