Mr Clerkin was speaking in a session on urgent and emergency care as part of the conference, which took place on September 4 in Dublin’s Convention Centre. Chairing the panel discussion was Grace Rothwell, HSE national director for access and integration. “In the short term, that phrase ‘winter is coming’ – some people would say winter is all year round,” she said, referring to ongoing overcrowding pressures on EDs. The Minister emphasised that there must also be a focus on productivity, ensuring that investment delivers better access and higher-quality care for patients. This progress reflects sustained investment, social change and, above all, the extraordinary commitment of our health and social care workforce.”