The responsibility for the accident and emergency facilities at the hospital concerned now rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. I am aware of the difficulties being encountered by hospitals delivering accident and emergency services and in particular the problem of overcrowding in accident and emergency departments.
Approval has been sought from my Department for the development of a new acute assessment unit and a major upgrading of the emergency department facilities at the hospital and I have recently announced support for this.
This new unit will be located adjacent to the hospital's accident and emergency department and will provide for speedier consultant interaction and improved services for patients. It is anticipated that this will reduce the number of investigations as earlier intervention and diagnosis to a more senior appropriate clinical level will result in a shorter average length of stay for patients and more efficient use of hospital beds.
I recently announced the allocation of an additional £25 million as part of a winter initiative designed to reduce the pressures on acute hospitals over the winter period. This funding will enable specific initiatives to be taken including initiatives in accident and emergency departments.