Cork Hospital Trolley Numbers Decrease in November, December Rise Expected

Cork Hospitals See ⁤Dip in Trolley Numbers, ‍But December Surge Looms

Cork, Ireland ⁣ – After months of alarming ⁣overcrowding, cork hospitals saw a glimmer of hope in November with a decrease in the number of patients treated on trolleys. However, early December figures suggest a potential⁤ resurgence of the problem.

In November, 1,400 patients were treated on trolleys across Cork University Hospital (CUH), the Mercy Hospital, and bantry General Hospital. This marked a ⁣4% decrease from October and a 14% decrease from September, offering a much-needed reprieve for overwhelmed staff and ‍patients.

“The decrease is very welcome,” said Dr.John Sheehan, a Cork GP and Fianna Fáil councillor. “I think there are a couple of reasons for it. One ⁢is the uptake of flu ⁢vaccinations. We’ve⁣ seen lots of people presenting⁢ for their vaccines earlier this year, which is great.”

Dr. Sheehan also highlighted the impact⁢ of new initiatives aimed at reducing pressure on emergency departments.

“other initiatives like⁤ the new virtual emergency department, which is up and running about a month, reduces the need for someone to go to A&E,” he‍ explained.⁢ “The Pathfinder initiative also⁢ means doctors may come out and see people at home rather than necessitating a visit to an ED.”

These initiatives, along ⁤with mobile X-ray services that can attend nursing homes,‍ are ⁢helping to keep patients out of already crowded emergency rooms.

“Before, if we suspected a fracture, we had⁣ to send them to A&E in an ‍ambulance,” Dr. Sheehan said.”Doing the X-ray ⁢in the nursing home or elsewhere can save a trip to A&E and all the trauma that can ⁣be involved.When someone goes⁢ into‍ A&E who already has lots of medical conditions, it’s much harder to be discharged because of all their comorbidities, so treating them in the nursing home is much better.”

Despite the positive trend in november, early December figures paint a concerning picture. Between Monday and Wednesday of this week, 271 patients were treated on trolleys across the three hospitals, suggesting December’s numbers could surpass those of November.

Dr. Sheehan warned that the colder months typically‍ bring a surge in hospital admissions.

“There’s more people indoors, more respiratory illnesses spreading,” he said. “Then if there’s an outbreak, you’ll have more people get sicker and it can tip over into cardiac failure or pneumonia, [mostly] ⁤for older people.”

As winter deepens, the focus ⁤remains on maintaining the downward trend in trolley numbers and ensuring that Cork hospitals can provide timely⁣ and effective care to all ⁢patients.

Cork Hospitals⁣ Breathe Sigh of Relief as Trolley Numbers Dip, but December Surge Looms

Cork, Ireland – After months of crisis-level overcrowding, Cork ‍hospitals ‍are finally seeing a glimmer of hope. November saw a welcome decrease ‍in the ⁢number ⁤of patients treated on ⁣trolleys, but early December figures suggest a potential resurgence of the problem.

Last month, 1,400 patients were left waiting on trolleys⁤ across Cork University Hospital (CUH), the Mercy Hospital, and Bantry General Hospital.⁤ This⁣ represents a 4% decrease from ⁣October and a ⁢meaningful 14% drop from September, providing much-needed relief⁢ for strained staff and long-suffering patients.

Dr. John Sheehan, a Cork GP and Fianna Fáil councillor, attributes the betterment to several‍ factors.

“The⁣ uptake of flu vaccinations has been excellent this year,” he said. “We’re⁢ also seeing the positive impact of new initiatives aimed at ⁢reducing pressure on our emergency departments.”

Dr. Sheehan highlighted⁤ the success of the virtual emergency department, which allows patients to access medical consultations remotely, lessening the need for physical visits to A&E.

The Pathfinder initiative, which dispatches doctors to see patients at home, is also contributing to the‍ decline in trolley numbers.

“Treating⁣ patients at home⁤ rather than necessitating a visit to the Emergency Department is ⁢a much better solution for ⁤many,” Dr. Sheehan explained.

Mobile X-ray services, which can now be brought directly to‍ nursing homes, ⁣are further easing pressure on hospital resources.

“Previously, a suspected fracture would require⁤ ambulance transport to A&E,” Dr. ⁣Sheehan said. “Now, ⁤the X-ray can be done on-site, saving the patient a perhaps traumatic journey and freeing up valuable resources.”

While November brought a welcome reprieve,early December data paints a⁢ less optimistic ⁣picture. Between Monday and Wednesday of this week, 271 patients were left waiting on trolleys across the three⁢ hospitals,

suggesting december’s figures could surpass November’s.

Dr. Sheehan warned that⁢ colder months typically bring a surge in hospital admissions.

“With people spending more time indoors, respiratory illnesses spread more easily,” he⁢ explained. “Outbreaks can quickly ⁢lead to more serious complications,⁢ especially for older people, resulting in higher hospitalization rates.”

As winter sets ⁤in, the focus⁢ remains on maintaining the downward trend in trolley numbers ⁢and ensuring Cork’s hospitals can continue to provide timely and effective care⁤ to all patients.