Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2024
47. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health what engagement he or his Department have had with University Hospital Galway in relation to the deficits identified, including relating to bed capacity and staffing in senior positions, in the HIQA inspection report dated 16 February 2023 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1955/24]
View answerMy Department engages with the HSE and HIQA on a regular and ongoing basis on a range of matters related to the provision of high-quality and safe care for people using our healthcare services in Ireland. The implementation of the recommendations of the report are a matter for the HSE.
The HIQA inspection focused on key issues that impact on the delivery of care in the ED including: effective management to support high-quality care, patient flow and inpatient bed capacity in the hospital, respect, dignity and privacy for people receiving care and staffing levels. The hospital was inspected on four standards and was found to be partially compliant in two areas and non-compliant in two areas. Work has progressed to address issues highlighted in the report. This includes the following actions:
• Recruitment of additional staff to address shortfalls in medical and nursing staff, with two ED consultants already recruited and four more to be recruited this year.
• Quality improvement plan to address infection prevention and control shortfalls.
• Updated terms of reference for GUH Unscheduled Care Governance Group to ensure there is clear responsibility and to address HIQA concerns around effective management.
• Measures to improve patient flow, including recruitment of additional patient flow co-ordinators and implementation of specific initiatives for older people. Other measures include Age Friendly Cubicles, the implementation of the Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons and an enhanced focus on improving delayed transfers of care.
Galway University Hospital continue to work on addressing the issues highlighted and I acknowledge the ongoing commitment of ED staff who provide excellent person-centred care in a challenging physical environment. My Department is working with the HSE on a range of capital projects on the Galway University Hospital campuses which will improve capacity including a new Emergency Department and women's and children's block, new laboratory facilities, a new elective hospital on the Merlin Park campus, and a new cancer centre.
