HSE says climate-induced heatstroke contributing to emergency dept wait times

Almost 9,500 people aged 75 or over waited longer than 24 hours to get a hospital bed this year, as climate change-induced heatstroke now becomes a factor that health chiefs must grapple with.

In June at Cork University Hospital, 231 patients aged over 75 spent longer than 24 hours in the emergency department. At University Hospital Kerry, it stood at 31.

The HSE said seasonal factors can affect numbers, “including health complications of heat stress”, but that no single factor is driving the summer surge that has led to what advocates call “stark” and “hugely concerning” figures from hospital emergency departments so far this year.

It has warned of risks of “dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke” — especially for older people and other vulnerable people. Met Éireann said July was the second hottest since 1900.

The HSE said: “Factors driving emergency department attendances and waiting times are complex. Seasonal factors may influence attendances, including health complications of heat stress, but as a specific factor, this is difficult to disaggregate from data available.”

Overall, 27,791 patients spent more than 24 hours in an emergency department between January and June. In addition, 58,894 left without being seen, including 10,650 for May alone.

However, delays facing older patients have raised serious concerns. Studies repeatedly show negative effects from these delays, including the risk of increased mortality and death. The data was released to Sinn Féin health spokesman David Cullinane, who said the figures are “very stark”.

He warned: 

“This is not just a winter crisis anymore. The figures for older people are especially worrying. Almost 9,500 patients aged 75 and over waited more than 24 hours. These are often frail and vulnerable patients who should not be left sitting in an emergency department for that length of time.”

Nearly 59,000 people leaving an emergency department without being seen “should be a major warning sign for the Government”, he said, adding: “People do not leave an emergency department for no reason. In many cases, they have been waiting too long and feel they have no other option.”

At Mercy University Hospital in Cork, between 203 and 318 people left early every month. Similarly, at Tipperary University Hospital, between 143 and 222 people left. At University Hospital Waterford, between 225 and 400 left monthly.