HSE warns of 'uncertain' winter with potential for 17,000 Covid-19 hospitalisations

Chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said he cannot guarantee that we will not see elderly people on trolleys in January. Picture: Leah Farrell/Photocall Ireland

The HSE has warned of the possibility of at least 2,900 patients hospitalised with flu and 17,000 with Covid-19 as they prepare for another “uncertain” and “very difficult” winter.

Funding of €169m has been set aside for a Winter Plan, but the chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said even this focus cannot guarantee that we will not see elderly people on trolleys in January.