Brian Hayes
Question:43 Mr. B. Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the recent agreement on accident and emergency department management. [12592/02]
Written Answers. - Accident and Emergency Services.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:48 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made in implementing the agreement that led to the suspension of industrial action taken by nursing staff in accident and emergency departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12541/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 48 together.
The Deputy will be aware that action was recently taken by nursing staff employed in A&E departments in order to highlight difficulties being experienced in service provision. Proposals put forward by the Labour Relations Commission aimed at resolving the difficulties which had arisen were accepted by all parties. Proposals in the agreement included, inter alia, the establishment of admission and discharge policy monitoring committees in relevant hospitals. I understand that these committees are in place and are working well. In addition, it was agreed that a full security assessment would be undertaken in each A&E department in the country and that a national A&E nursing staffing structures review group would be established to carry out an immediate examination of existing structures and staffing levels in A&E departments. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that considerable progress is being made in implementing these commitments.
The Labour Relations Commission will convene a plenary meeting of all parties to the agreement to review progress on its implementation and I understand that this meeting is scheduled to take place on 17 May.
The Deputy will also be aware that on 13 February this year, I announced the establishment of an A&E forum to identify steps that can be taken immediately to alleviate current problems in A&E services. The forum, which had its first meeting on 20 March 2002, was chaired by Dr. Danny O'Hare, former President of Dublin City University. There were approximately 80 participants, representing hospital management, members of the medical and nursing professions, para-medical and non-nursing personnel, staff representative associations and unions, patient advocacy groups and other interested parties in attendance at day one of the forum. Day two of the forum is scheduled to take place on 1 May. The work of the forum will help to build on the existing and proposed policy framework for A&E services as set out in the national health strategy. I am pleased with the response to the forum and I am confident that its work will contribute significantly to advancing the existing and proposed policy framework for A&E services as set out in the national health strategy.