Cork University Hospital winter plan
Deputy Buckley asked whether CUH had staff to open extra beds under the winter plan and how the Government would address vacancies. The Taoiseach said he would seek a fuller response from the Minister for Health and outlined wider winter measures.
I raised with the Taoiseach the winter plan for the emergency department in Cork University Hospital, CUH, a few weeks ago. The information I received was to the effect that the plan was to open an additional 20 temporary beds in CUH. However, I have been told that no staff are available and that there are also 50 vacancies at the hospital. Has the Government any contingency plan to address the staffing shortage at CUH?
Will those extra 20 beds be opened over Christmas?
Comment on this
I will ask the Minister for Health to provide the Deputy with a more comprehensive response, but the winter plan has a number of elements. Opening additional bed capacity where it exists is only one part of it. Other measures are being put in place to reduce overcrowding, including more home care packages, more funding for the fair deal scheme, aids and appliances so that people can be discharged and preventative measures so that people do not have to be admitted in the first place.