6,397 on trolleys for over 24 hours

There were 6,397 patients on trolleys in emergency departments around the country for more than 24 hours in June and July, 1,637 of whom were over 75 years of age.

The figures are released in the HSE’s latest performance reports, which also raise significant concerns over referral times for urgent cancer treatment in some parts of the country, particularly in Cork.

• Nationally, some 92.5% of referrals for symptomatic breast cancer were seen within two weeks — the target is 95%;
• Some 84.2% of referrals for lung cancer assessment were seen within 10 working days — the target is 95%;
• 62.8% of patients availed of the prostate rapid access service within 20 working days — the target is 90%.