Vol. 505 No. 6
183 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will visit the main casu alty hospitals in the greater Dublin area around midnight to assess the situation in relation to the staff and patients and waiting times for those being treated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14613/99]
The levels of attendance at accident and emergency departments are complex and difficult to predict and in this regard all accident and emergency departments experience periods of exceptional demand which can result in delays for patients. However, it is important to note that appropriate medical treatment is provided at all times and that waiting periods are kept to an absolute minimum.
Activity at accident and emergency departments in the Dublin area is monitored by the Eastern Health Board's accident and emergency steering group. This group compiles and submits a report to my Department on the activity levels in accident and emergency departments on a weekly basis.
Considerable financial resources have been provided to eastern region hospitals to enable enhanced accident and emergency services to be provided. I have provided additional funding of £1.65 million this year to enable the hospitals to implement various initiatives aimed at addressing difficulties experienced by accident and emergency departments, particularly during periods of peak demand. These initiatives will include measures to free up beds for emergency admissions through the provision of alternative step-down facilities for patients occupying beds in acute hospitals for lengthy periods. They will allow for the provision of enhanced staffing levels, the development of rapid diagnostic systems for common emergency presentations, continued development of treatment-observation areas in accident and emergency departments and an improved access for general practitioners to urgent specialist opinion.
Part of the additional funding is also being used to fund a public education campaign aimed at increasing general awareness regarding the appropriate use of accident and emergency Departments with particular emphasis on persuading persons with minor ailments to attend their general practitioner rather than an accident and emergency department in an acute hospital.
