Kildare TD calls on Minister for Health to implement targeted winter surge supports at Naas Hospital

Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North, Naoise Ó Cearúil, has called on the Minister for Health to implement ‘targeted winter surge supports’ at Naas Hospital, warning that immediate action is needed to protect both staff and patients during a particularly challenging winter period.

Deputy Ó Cearúil made his call as patients attending Naas Hospital are currently waiting an average of 9.5 hours for admission from the Emergency Department, with delays peaking at 13.5 hours earlier in 2025.

The hospital is also operating beyond capacity, with 196 of its 204 beds occupied as of December 31, and 24 surge beds in use during recent flu outbreaks.

He said there is an urgent need to prioritise the allocation of surge resources within existing HSE winter planning, including extended senior decision maker coverage and rapid assessment initiatives, to help reduce these delays.

Speaking on the issue, Deputy Ó Cearúil said: “These targeted measures would free up hospital capacity at a time when a severe wave of flu is spreading across the country.

“They would help relieve pressure on staff at Naas Hospital during the Christmas period while ensuring patients receive the care they need and deserve.”

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The Deputy said that long term measures under the HSE capital programme would ultimately strengthen capacity at Naas Hospital, including an 11 bed Acute Medical Assessment Unit, a 15 bed Admissions Unit and the Swan Ward expansion which will add 12 single rooms.

However, he stressed that  immediate action is required through targeted winter surge supports to help staff and patients manage current pressures.

“People in the area are deeply concerned for their loved ones, particularly older and more vulnerable family members. These measures would not only support staff at Naas Hospital in the immediate term but would also provide reassurance to families across the area”, he said.

Deputy Ó Cearúil concluded by saying: “The staff in Naas Hospital do incredible work all year round. Unfortunately, we are experiencing a particularly severe flu season and they need all the support they can get to continue delivering safe and timely care.”