Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2015
22. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Health his views that a sufficient number of community geriatric teams comprising a geriatrician and specialist nurse working in communities could help relieve pressures on bed occupancy in hospitals, particularly at times of over-capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2333/15]
View answerConsultant Geriatrician posts are in general contracted to the acute hospital system with some exceptions. In practice, geriatricians will provide an extended service to the community by way of undertaking clinics in a variety of settings including community hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, primary care centres. This type of outreach service provided in an integrated manner is a significant support to community services and to maintaining older people in their own homes and communities.
It is the intention of the HSE to develop an integrated care programme for older people in 2015 which will examine the variety of ways that consultant geriatricians currently work across hospital and community and to determine what is the most effective way to do so into the future.
There is an important role for consultant geriatric teams in supporting the management of the health needs of older people in community settings and in providing hospital day and outpatient services that avoid the necessity for hospital admission.
