Derek McDowell
Ceist:21 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to ensure more beneficial use of hospital facilities by a lengthening of the working day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28930/00]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
The medical manpower forum was established to address issues relating to the medical staffing of hospitals. Agreement has been reached with regard to the principles and approaches to be adopted in relation to the main service, training, research and career issues affecting medical staff. It has also been agreed that the introduction of these changes should coincide with an extension of the core hospital working day. This will require an increase in the present number of hospital consultant posts and significant change in the way hospitals work. The next step should be an assessment of the effect of the changes being recommended. This will involve a representative number of hospitals and will estimate, in a preliminary way, the extent of the resources required.
The programme of modernisation in the health sector which is part of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness sets out a framework for a change in the way the hospitals do their business.
Traditional work patterns in what is a 24 hour service have grown up around normal office hours. It is necessary, therefore, to create a shift in the way the service is provided in that the patient is at the centre of how the service is organised.
The National Partnership Forum is engaged at present in agreeing proposals for a range of initiatives in this area which might first be carried out on a pilot basis to provide extended hours of service for the public.