Vol. 545 No. 5
71 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Health and Children the expected date of the completion of the accident and emergency review being carried out by Comhairle na nOspidéal and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30898/01]
Comhairle na nOspidéal is undertaking a review of the structure, operation and staffing of accident and emergency services and departments in hospitals providing such services with the aim of improving the provision and quality of patient care. The review is being undertaken by a committee of Comhairle which it established for that purpose.
To date the committee has been engaged in an extensive consultation process, meeting and receiving submissions from representatives of each health board, relevant voluntary hospitals, appropriate professional bodies and other interested parties. The committee has also obtained information on attendances in each A&E department from each health board and acute general hospital. It has also reviewed extensive literature regarding A&E services in Britain, Europe, the US, Canada and Australia.
I am informed by Comhairle that it is expected that the committee will complete its report by the end of this year.
