Just 1% of older patient transfers from UHL occurred after 10pm

The vast majority of older patients transferred from University Hospital Limerick to nursing homes, community hospitals and other step-down facilities are moved during daytime hours, new figures have revealed.

The figures were provided to the June meeting of the Regional Health Forum Mid-West following a question from Social Democrats councillor Elisa O'Donovan, who sought details on the timing of transfers involving patients aged 75 and over.

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In a written response, Ian Carter, CEO of Mid West Acute and Older People Services, HSE Mid West, said 3,610 patients were transferred from UHL to nursing homes, community hospitals, Model 2 hospitals and other step-down facilities between January 2025 and May 2026.

Mr Carter said the average transfer time was 3pm, with most transfers taking place during standard daytime hours.

Of the total, 1,079 transfers (30%) occurred after 6pm, while 47 transfers (1%) took place after 10pm.

He noted that the Mid-West Acute Services Inter-Hospital Transfer of Patient Protocol states that non-emergency transfers should not occur between 11pm and 7am.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr O'Donovan welcomed the response and said the issue had been raised directly with her by ambulance personnel.

She said she had shared the figures with those who contacted her and that they were encouraged to see that the timing of non-emergency transfers is addressed within the protocol.

Cllr O'Donovan noted that late-night transfers can be particularly distressing for older people and said it was "very reassuring" that the majority of transfers were taking place at around 3pm.

While describing the 47 transfers recorded after 10pm as a "really small percentage", she said it would be positive to see that figure reduced further, particularly where vulnerable older patients are concerned.