Tallaght Hospital saw over 5,500 more patients in 2016 compared to 2015

Tallaght Hospital saw over 5,500 more patients in 2016 compared to 2015

TALLAGHT Hospital saw more than 83,400 patients in 2016, an increase of over 5,500 patients when compared to 2015, the Echo can reveal.

The figures were released to Echo.ie in the same week that the local health facility had 42 patients on trolleys Wednesday of this week.

Tallaght hospital cropped to size

According to the hospital, data for January so far indicates that attendances remain at the increased levels seen in 2016.

Since Christmas and over the New Year, there was a 38 per cent increase in emergency department attendances for patients over the age of 75 years when compared to the same period for last year.

There was also a 68 per cent increase in admissions over the two weeks of Christmas and New Year when compared to last year for patients over the age of 75.

In a statement to Echo.ie, Tallaght Hospital said: “The Hospital has instigated its Full Capacity Protocol in response to the number of patients waiting admission.

“This results in a 50/50 split between patients in the emergency department and on the ward who are awaiting admission.

“The Hospital prioritises allocation of patients to beds based on clinical need. The Hospital is working to ensure that all frail elderly patients are appropriately allocated beds within the recommended timeframe.”

When asked about concerns around ambulances unable to decant patients at emergency departments, Tallaght Hospital confirmed that “there is no delay regarding transfer of patients from ambulances to the emergency department.”

Tallaght Hospital still has restrictions in place.

For advice and details of restrictions visit www.tallaghthospital.ie

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