Capacity remains ‘single greatest challenge’ in Irish health system – Prof Colleran

IHCA members have called on the Government to address the “historic underfunding and lack of capital investment” in hospital capacity.

A motion, which passed unanimously at the Association’s Annual Conference, stated that “while progress has been made in recent years to bring additional hospital capacity on stream”, challenges remain.

The motion highlighted the need to address the insufficient capital investment for constructing and opening the necessary additional hospital emergency departments, theatres, diagnostics, and other facilities to tackle long patient waiting lists.

During her first Annual Conference address as IHCA President, Prof Gabrielle Colleran said Irish healthcare is experiencing “a time of sharp contrasts”.

“On one hand, we are finally seeing the kind of investment we’ve long been advocating for – €25.7 billion allocated in Budget 2025.” She described this as “a significant step” toward addressing longstanding issues, such as women’s health and mental health.

Prof Colleran also noted that “some
progress has been made” on longer
life expectancy, reduced outpatient waiting times, and “improved metrics in various specialties”.

“However, for citizens, patients, and professionals, behind these statistics lies a stark reality: Capacity remains the single greatest challenge in our health system.”

She said hospitals still lack sufficient beds with occupancy rates exceeding 93 per cent, “well above the recommended level” of 80-to-85 per cent. Prof Colleran added that emergency departments “are stretched to unsafe levels”.

“Outdated infrastructure impacts patient safety, healthcare outcomes, infection control, and workforce morale. We aren’t just talking about comfort or aesthetics – we’re talking about the very ability to deliver world-class healthcare.

“Add to these the wider challenges we face as a nation – an ageing population, increasingly complex chronic healthcare needs, climate change, the housing crisis – challenges that intersect and amplify health inequalities, in particular for those most vulnerable.

“These are consequential, complex, collective challenges that we must face together with humility, compassion, and care.”

The IHCA passed further motions on seeking increased funding for the mental health budget and for the Government to “work with the Association on bringing forward a new strategic plan to address the ongoing shortages of consultants in our public hospitals and mental health services”.

A motion was also passed calling on the Government to implement policies “for sensible reductions in energy consumption and a reduction in single-use items, where clinically appropriate, across the public system”

The AGM heard that the IHCA now has 4,250 members, an increase from approximately 3,600 last year.