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Hospital Staff.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004

Thursday, 28 October 2004

Questions (178, 179)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

176 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there are adequate accident and emergency staff available throughout the country to deal with current and anticipated population growth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26625/04]

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Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

178 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if there has been a curtailment of accident and emergency facilities at various hospitals throughout the country; the procedures that are likely to be put in place to shorten waiting lists at accident and emergency facilities throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26627/04]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 178 together.

Many of the difficulties and delays experienced in emergency medicine departments reflect system-wide issues. Therefore, in tackling the problems in emergency medicine departments, it is necessary to take a whole system approach involving primary care, acute care and sub-acute and community care.

Already the Government, over the last few years, has introduced a number of initiatives aimed at improving the delivery of acute services and alleviating the pressures on accident and emergency departments. I have previously said that the delivery of such services will be an area for particular attention during my term as Minister for Health and Children. I intend to identify the particular pressure points within the health system that affect the efficient delivery of emergency services. I will be working with the relevant authorities to ensure that the most pressing problems are addressed as a matter of urgency and, as such, I intend to introduce a package of measures to address these problems.

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