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Waterford TD poses solution to trolley crisis

Waterford TD poses solution to trolley crisis
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A Waterford TD believes that the trolley crisis could be solved by dealing with the issue of late discharges.

Mary Butler says there are around 600 patients taking up acute beds who don't need to be there with a similar number on trolleys across the country.

The Fianna Fail TD describes the situation when she visited University Hospital Waterford this week.

"We were informed by the manager that the hospital has 21 late discharges.

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"These are people who are in acute hospital beds and who need timely discharges but, unfortunately, they have not been able to avail of them.

"Simultaneously, there were 23 people on trolleys in the hospital. This is an issue I have been raising for the past year.

"Would the Government consider adopting a targeted approach that would look at each CHO and at the people who need timely discharges from care and be provided with either home care support or access to nursing homes?"

Deputy Butler acknowledges that it's not always straight forward.

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"Some people have very complex needs and it is not as simple as just delivering home care hours.

"If we look at the number of individuals who are awaiting discharge, however, we will see that it is always in or around 600.

"The number for those on trolleys is very similar. Adoption of a targeted approach would be a good development."

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says additional resources are being provided as part of the Winter Plan.

"Additional resources are provided for home care, for the fair deal scheme and for aids and appliances.

"This will enable more people to get home from hospital and more people to be discharged sooner, thus freeing up hospital beds for patients who are acutely ill.

"As Deputy Butler recognises, there are often complicating factors.

"Families are allowed a choice of nursing home and this can cause delays. Some patients are wards of court and cannot consent for themselves. Some patients have very complex needs and require an individualised package to be put in place.

"The Deputy's point is very well made."

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