Vol. 534 No. 1
70 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the immediate effect the recruitment of accident and emergency consultants will have; and if he will set out the targets being set for accident and emergency departments for the coming five years. [9893/01]
An investment package of £32 million was provided on foot of phase 1 of the national review of bed capacity. This funding is being used to help alleviate service pressures and to maintain services to patients in the acute hospital sector, particularly over the winter period. Among the initiatives being funded is the recruitment of 29 additional accident and emergency consultants. The recruitment of additional consultants to this key area is designed to reduce any unnecessary delays experienced by patients attending accident and emergency departments and to ensure that patients have improved access to a prompt senior clinical decision making service.
In parallel with the recruitment of additional consultant manpower, Comhairle na nOspidéal has commenced a review of the structure, operation and staffing of accident and emergency services and departments with the aim of improving the provision and quality of patient care. The review will take into account the report of the medical manpower forum, policies of the Irish Accident and Emergency Association and the Institute of Orthopaedic Surgeons, international best practice, the views of health authorities, management, medical practitioners and other relevant matters. I am confident that the findings of this review will inform future policy decisions in relation to the provision of services within hospital accident and emergency departments.
