TUH apologises for delays in emergency department

A TALLAGHT University Hospital (TUH) representative stated at a recent meeting that he apologises for the lengthy delays that patients in its Emergency Department (ED) have faced in recent months.

The topic of “unacceptable delays” in the hospital’s ED was raised by Cllr Charlie O’Connor at a meeting of the Dublin Mid-Leinster Regional Health Forum this week.

Cllr O’Connor tabled a motion calling for “immediate and effective action on the unacceptable delays being experienced at the Emergency Department of Tallaght University Hospital”.

He then requested details on how the hospital plans to deal with the issue and referenced a previous statement by the hospital where it was claimed that they now “have more patients over 75 than ever before”.

Trevor O’Callaghan, CEO of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group which oversees TUH, responded to Cllr O’Connor’s motion and apologised for the problems being faced by patients in the ED.

“Tallaght University Hospital apologises for delays experienced whilst waiting in our ED, the department is continuing to experience a very high number of attendances,” stated Mr O’Callaghan.

“We are committed to treating everyone who presents to our ED, however we do so strictly in order of medical priority.

“There are a number of reasons that patients are experiencing longer wait times at TUH, this includes a marked increase in the number of attendances.

“In the first quarter of 2022 our presentations have been up by 7 per cent (that is 1,152 patients attending).

“We have also had some staff vacancies within the medical team in ED, we have recruited additional medical staff for the July intake.”

Mr O’Callaghan noted in his response that the hospital is also having difficulty moving patients from the ED into wards, as the hospital wards are operating at full occupancy, and they have a limited number of single in-patient bedrooms.

Explaining the measures that are being implemented to deal with the issue, Mr O’Callaghan said: “The hospital is finalising a strategic assessment report which validates the need for an additional 72 acute in-patient beds, all single rooms.

“The addition of this bed capacity will improve patient experience times in ED. “Over the past 12 months the hospital has had access to an additional 36 beds through Tymon Community Unit.

“As well as this, an additional 12 beds are due to open in Quarter 3 and there is ongoing work with Peamount Healthcare who are providing access to rehabilitation beds which is assisting the hospital with patient flow.”

Another stumbling block being encountered by the hospital that’s causing delays in ED includes problems with the timely discharge of patients who are medically fit, but cannot be discharged due to a lack of carers in the community.

Mr O’Callaghan also detailed the hospital’s plans for a new acute floor, which it is hoped will alleviate the pressure that the ED is currently under.

“The adult service will have additional space within the ED following the move of CHI’s Children’s ED to a new purpose-built urgent care centre on the campus,” he explained.

“The acute floor development will have a dedicated acute frailty unit which will come under the clinical governance of a geriatrician and will be supported by therapy and nursing staff and this is fully supported by the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group.”