Vol. 552 No. 4
52 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the report from Comhairle na nOspidéal which states that some consultants protect their beds by keeping patients in hospital longer than necessary and that this is contributing to delays in accident and emergency departments; his views on the findings of the report; the action he intends to take on foot of it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12542/02]
At my request Comhairle na nOspidéal undertook a review of the structures, operation and staffing of A&E departments in hospitals providing A&E services. The report of the review entitled Report of the Committee on Accident and Emergency Services has recently been presented to me. The report examines and makes recommendations on the provision of emergency services in public hospitals in the State. It explores factors that affect efficiency and effectiveness of hospital emergency services and links reform of A&E departments with the need to look critically at hospital processes and patient flows through the hospitals. I am confident that its work will contribute significantly to advancing the existing and proposed policy framework for A&E services as set out in the national health strategy.
A factor in limiting access to hospital beds and a major cause of delays in A&E departments is the availability of in-patient beds. My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Finance and in consultation with the social partners, has conducted a comprehensive review of acute hospital bed capacity needs. On foot of that review entitled Acute Hospital Bed Capacity – A National Review, the Government has decided to provide an additional 3,000 beds in acute hospitals over the next ten years. I announced on 16 January a €65 million investment package in the current year for the commissioning of 709 of these 3,000 beds in acute hospitals. My Department has been advised, by the ERHA and the health boards, that 98 of these beds have been commissioned, that an additional 23 beds will come on stream by the end of April 2002, with a further 49 beds by the end of May 2002. The balance will be introduced on a phased basis during the rest of the year.
