This year the HSE’s Winter Plan has been developed within the context of delivering essential healthcare in a COVID-19 environment. A range of initiatives will be undertaken to support this work, which will aim to enhance community capacity and decrease acute hospital demand. Through the prioritisation of Primary Care and Community Services, we will advance the goals of Sláintecare and mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
This plan, which is supported by the allocation of an additional €600m, seeks to support improved patient care in hospitals and in the community while keeping our staff and those who use our services safe in the midst of a global pandemic. Key initiatives within the Winter Plan include:
- Additional acute bed capacity;
- Additional home support packages;
- Additional HSE procured private bed capacity;
- Additional intermediate care beds, proposals for acute hospital egress; and
- Additional Community Healthcare Networks, Community Specialist Teams (Older Persons and Chronic Disease).
Speaking CEO of the HSE Mr. Paul Reid said;
“This winter is going to be more difficult than any we’ve ever faced before. We are living with COVID-19, we are living differently, however we have planned differently and we have to take confidence in our Winter Plan. By ensuring agility and innovative healthcare measures, we can prioritise the health and wellbeing of our staff and the public, through the provision of healthcare pathways in the community and in our hospitals.
I am asking the public to follow the public health advice, the worst thing we can do is to get complacent. I am also asking those within the priority groups to ensure they get the flu vaccine and give themselves the best opportunity to stay well this winter.”
Speaking Anne O Connor, HSE Chief Operations Officer said;
“For the forthcoming winter period, we are focusing on the resumption of health services, while preparing for the expected pressures associated with winter and delivering services in the context of the continuing presence of COVID-19. Guidance, new processes, and infrastructure, will be critical to supporting the resumption of service delivery.
In addition, a Community First approach to the delivery of care will be central to delivering safe, efficient and effective services through winter and beyond. Service delivery will be re-oriented towards general practice, primary care and community-based services.”
The Winter Plan 20/21 is available on www.hse.ie
