The HSE is expanding the free, community-based service to patients in both public and private nursing homes, community facilities and in their own homes.

Hospital management say they are currently managing five COVID outbreaks on site.

Deputy Harkin said the scheme has so far saved the State over €111,000 in hospital and health transport.

Hospitals across the Shannonside region are currently dealing with a total of 76 patients on trolleys.

Plans submitted to Westmeath County Council seek the construction of a new 54 bed extension to the hospital at Ballinderry.

It's a 15 per cent increase on 2021.

The INMO have highlighted the growing number of assaults on healthcare staff in the last year.

A Government spokesperson said the strategy pre-dated this date, and was pursued by successive Governments.