Despite the rise in COVID-19 and flu, there were 80% fewer patients without a hospital bed over the Christmas weekend this year.
There was a significant increase in patients with hospital beds compared to last year, according to the HSE.
Overall, there has been a 7.5% fall in trolley numbers this year compared to 2022.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly praised the effort of health workers to provide patients with beds.
“For far too long, there's been too many patients waiting for too long and trolleys and too many hospitals,” he said.
“With thanks to our health care workers over the past year, we've seen a really important reduction in the number of people on trolleys.”
'Progress in 2024'
Mr Donnelly said it is “imperative” that the “laser-sharp focus of the HSE” during the Christmas season continues into January.
"It is regrettable that any patient has to wait beyond an acceptable timeframe for a hospital bed,” he said.
“The evidence clearly shows the negative impact long waits in the emergency department can have.
"We need to see further progress in 2024."
Flu putting pressure on hospital beds
The HSE, however, also said it's seeing an increase in people with respiratory illnesses attending emergency departments, which could put pressure on spaces in hospitals.
There are 347 cases of COVID-19 today, with 14 in the intensive care unit.
Health officials also said flu cases have more than quadrupled in two weeks from 10 cases to 43 cases.
It urged the public to attend the ED only for major health emergencies and to use all other options in non-emergency situations.
Rise in illness
Monaghan GP Dr Illona Duffy said a jump in cases of respiratory illnesses is expected at this time of year.
“When people have gathered together over the Christmas period, it tends to be a natural spread of our illnesses,” she said.
“But at the moment we're seeing quite sick deeper and RSV for young children.
“We are seeing people present with what we feel are flu-like symptoms - that sudden onset of high temperatures and aches and pains.”
