Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 January 2015
629. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the action he will take to address the crisis in accident and emergency departments in hospitals as it has become a national emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1212/15]
View answerThe Government regards trolley waits of over 9 hours as unacceptable and acknowledges the difficulties which the current surge in ED activity is causing for patients, their families and the staff who are doing their utmost to provide safe, quality care in very challenging circumstances.
It is anticipated that the figures will continue to fluctuate, but the wide range of actions being taken by the HSE are having an impact. All hospitals have escalation plans to manage not only patient flow but also patient safety in a responsive, controlled and planned way that supports and ensures the delivery of optimum patient care. These plans include the opening of additional overflow areas, reopening of closed beds, provision of additional diagnostic scans and Consultants doing additional ward rounds to improve the appropriate flow of patients through the hospital system. Other actions being taken include the provision of additional home care packages, additional transition beds in nursing homes, 300 additional Fair Deal places and an extension in Community Intervention Teams.
The Government has provided additional funding of €3 million in 2014 and €25 million in 2015 to address delayed discharges. This funding is being targeted at hospital and community services which can demonstrate initiatives to address specific needs of delayed discharge patients most positively and therefore improve timeliness for admissions from Emergency Departments and waiting lists.
The Minister convened the Emergency Department Taskforce to find long term solutions to overcrowding by providing additional focus and momentum in dealing with the challenges presented by the current trolley waits. Following an initial meeting in December, the HSE is working on an action plan to be finalised by the end of January to specifically address ED issues with a view to a significant reduction in trolley waits over the course of 2015.
