Madam, – The recent high number of people being left on trolleys has highlighted the vulnerability of older people during the winter months.
Nearly 60 per cent of older people suffer with a chronic illness or disease and a further 30 per cent live with a disability. While not all those suffering the indignity of being left on a trolley are older people, the annual winter surge of admissions, many of which are because of falls or respiratory illness, highlights the need for urgent improvements in community services for older people.
Recent HSE performance-monitoring reports show the level of community services was less than that planned, leaving more isolated older people vulnerable to illness and accidents and leading to increased pressure on already busy AE wards. Dr John McInerney, honorary secretary of the Irish Association of Emergency Medicine, has also expressed concern that patients kept for hours or days on trolleys would pick up swine flu
Reopening hospital wards is to be welcomed as an immediate response to the crisis, but in the long-term sustainability of the health service, comprehensive community supports are required. – Yours, etc,