The HSE said the winter spike in viral infections is expected to put the highest pressures ever on the National Health Service in the coming weeks.
In response to the surge, the HSE established a National Crisis Management Team (NCMT).
It met twice this week and will take place over the Christmas period.
HSE Chief Executive Stephen Mulvanny said: “The role of the NCMT will be to give them support and to provide national overview and action when appropriate,” reports RTE.
The latest figures show there are 656 people hospitalized with Covid-19, with 26 in intensive care.
There are also around 1,200 people being hospitalized with respiratory problems.
The HSE warns that the rise in infections will hit hospitals and emergency departments hard. He also said primary care services such as GPs and out-of-hours general practitioners would come under additional pressure.
Mr Mulvany said: “It is now looking increasingly likely that we will see the demand for health services rising well above anything we have seen before,” reports RTE.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organization said the group should meet every day rather than three times a week.
It said: “We are disappointed that the HSE has once again waited until the crisis, which was predicted in July, was in full flow to establish a crisis management team,” reports RTE.
Taoiseach to meet health care leaders
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will meet with Health Secretary Stephen Donnelly and senior health service officials tomorrow for a broad discussion on health issues, including the winter pressures on the health service.
No decisions are expected during the session.
At the meeting, on behalf of the HSE, Mr. Mulvany, Clinical Director Dr. Colm Henry and Operations Director Damien McCallion attend.
A spokesman for the Taoiseach said the government is receiving regular updates from the HSE and the Ministry of Health regarding the high number of visitors to hospitals.
Coalition leaders are not expected to meet to discuss the rise in respiratory diseases.
Since returning to the Taoiseach’s office, Varadkar has held a series of meetings with key stakeholders such as the Garda Commissioner and homeless activists to hear their concerns.
Tomorrow’s meeting with the Department of Health and the HSE is part of that set of commitments.
Earlier, the transport minister said coalition leaders will meet to discuss the rise in respiratory infections.
Eamon Ryan said advice from Chief Medical Officer Professor Breda Smyth regarding wearing face masks on public transport must be followed by the government.
Yesterday, Prof. Smyth urged people to wear masks on public transport, which Dr. Henry was confirmed.
Today Minister Ryan said the mechanisms in place during the Covid pandemic had served the country well.
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