Detailed plans are expected from the HSE in mid-November on how additional funding is to be spent in addition to operational plans for each hospital group.
East Galway TD Ciaran Cannon said that while winter is a difficult period for the health service, significant work is underway by the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive to adequately prepare in advance.
The Minister said: “An additional €10 million has been allocated by the Department of Health to the HSE to prepare for winter and my colleague Minister for Health Simon Harris has just concluded meetings with each Hospital Group CEO and each Chief Officer from the 9 Community Healthcare Organisations across the health service.
“Detailed plans from the HSE are expected in mid-November on how the additional money is to be spent in addition to operational plans for each hospital group and primary and social care services to manage winter pressures.
“It is anticipated that this funding will focus on initiatives to enable the hospital system to de-escalate before Christmas.”
