Seán Crowe
Question:139 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children the criteria for selection for the position of patient advocate. [25943/03]
Written Answers. - Hospital Staff.
Seán Crowe
Question:140 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children the job description of the position of patient advocate. [25944/03]
Seán Crowe
Question:141 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patient advocates in the State; and the number of patient advocates in Dublin. [25945/03]
Seán Crowe
Question:142 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children the resources in place to support patient advocates who must take leave of absence from work. [25946/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 to 142, inclusive, together.
The health strategy, Quality and Fairness – A Health System for You, provides for the development of a nationally standardised approach to measurement of patient satisfaction and customer services strategies. The Eastern Regional Health Authority is currently preparing a Framework Document on patient advocacy, and my Department is being kept informed of its development. The Framework Document will address the advocacy issues highlighted by support groups during the consultation process which has been undertaken in the preparation of the document. At present, a number of hospitals across the health system employ staff who are designated to deal with the complaints and other advocacy issues on behalf of patients and their families. The individual titles and job descriptions of these positions vary depending on the individual hospitals. In the eastern region, each of the area health boards has appointed a director of complaints and appeals. The Eastern Regional Health Authority has also advised my Department that one of the major voluntary hospitals in the region has appointed a patient advocate, and that this post has been filled at administrative grade six. The hospital drew up its own terms of reference and job description in respect of the post. My Department also funds a number of voluntary organisations which support patients by being advocates on their behalf in respect of their care in the health system.