Vol. 517 No. 3
175 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 82 of 22 March 2000 and in view of the continuing lengthy delays, the funding allocated to the Eastern Regional Health Authority and Beaumont Hospital for the accident and emergency department is adequate to cope with its catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9540/00]
I am aware that in recent times hospitals providing accident and emergency services have experienced increased activity. In the period December 1999 to March 2000, the accident and emergency department at Beaumont Hospital experienced an increased demand for its services resulting in a 15% increase in admissions over the same period last year. The hospital has also experienced difficulties in discharging patients due to the shortage of long stay accommodation for elderly patients. I have been informed that the hospital has been working closely with the new Northern Area Health Board to secure as many long stay places as possible.
In 1999, £200,000 was allocated to Beaumont Hospital for A&E improvements and a further £240,000 was made available to the hospital in 2000. Within this funding, the hospital has undertaken a number of measures to improve systems for dealing with patients attending the A&E department. A 24 hour triage system has been introduced to ensure that patients are seen in order of clinical need rather than in order of attendance. A GP liaison sister has been appointed to ensure a good quality integrated hospital/community service to patients who present in the A&E department. The hospital has also used part of the resources allocated for A&E services to purchase contract beds in nursing homes to alleviate the problem of step down accommodation. The hospital is currently introducing new clinics for patients presenting at the A&E with minor strokes and chest pain. If appropriate these patients will be treated on an outpatient basis, thereby reducing their need for admission.
From 1 March 2000, the Eastern Regional Health Authority is the statutory body with responsibility for all health services in the eastern region. While it is a matter for the board and management of the new authority to determine its own agenda, I have advised the authority to give high priority to a number of policy questions, including the efficient planning and delivery of accident and emergency services in the eastern region.
