Vol. 489 No. 5
104 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the gross overcrowding in the James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, where patients are regularly left on trolleys for days; the plans, if any, he has to relieve this overcrowding; if he will visit the hospital, without prior notice, to see the situation first hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8440/98]
The levels of attendance at accident and emergency departments are complex and difficult to predict and in this regard all accident and emergency hospitals experience periods of exceptional demand. On occasion, it may be necessary to retain patients in the A&E department while they are awaiting admission to the hospital. Waiting times for beds can vary depending on demand and patients may experience a long waiting time for admission during busy periods. However, in no instance would this waiting time extend into days.
All patients attending the A&E department of James Connolly Memorial Hospital are prioritised for examination and treatment in accordance with their medically assessed needs. It is important to note that patients awaiting admission to the hospital receive appropriate medical treatment at all times.
In addition, a special allocation of £300,000 to the hospital has enabled the opening of 20 additional in-patient beds since 16 January this year to assist in meeting the demand for admission through the A&E department.
