Accident and Emergency Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2005

Tuesday, 17 May 2005

Questions (103, 104)

Martin Ferris

Question:

101 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement in response to the alarming prediction by the Irish Nurses Organisation that essential services at Kerry General Hospital’s accident and emergency unit will be seriously curtailed over the summer months if nothing is done to increase staffing numbers and improve facilities; and if she will take immediate action to prevent a complete meltdown of these services during the hectic summer months. [16028/05]

Martin Ferris

Question:

102 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that according to a person (details supplied), the situation in the accident and emergency unit at Kerry General Hospital has reached crisis point and the major problem of persons on trolleys has only emerged since a change in admission policies in the past 12 to 18 months; the reason for this change in admission policies; and the measures she has in place for alleviating the crisis at Kerry General Hospital. [16029/05]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of services at Kerry General Hospital. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief officer for the executive's southern area to respond directly to the Deputy on the issues raised.