Dept of Health defends efforts to ease overcrowding
14/04/2005 - 18:43:27The Health Service Executive today defended the progress of a €70m package to reduce pressure on Accident & Emergency units.
Nurses today continued lunchtime protests at the ongoing crisis as nearly 300 patients waited on hospital trolleys.
Meanwhile up to 20 people answered an RTE Radio appeal to pledge equipment for three Portakabins donated by businessman Ben Dunne to ease overcrowding at Dublin’s Mater Hospital.
But the HSE’s National Hospitals’ Office said the overall situation was improving and pressure on A&E units would be eased in coming weeks.
NHO director Pat McLoughlin said today: “While it is unacceptable to have any patients waiting on trolleys, there is no doubt that the situation in A&E departments is improving.
“We are working on all sustainable solutions to ease pressures and these take time to put into effect.”
A €12m A&E unit with extra nursing staff will be opened next week in Cork University Hospital and a €6.2m facility in Roscommon County Hospital is also up and running.
Mr McLoughlin said the HSE got funding this year to provide 400 home care places which should clear up space in hospital wards.
Mr McLoughlin appeared before the Oireachtas Health Committee today with HSE acting CEO Kevin Kelly to discuss progress on health reforms.
Mr McLoughlin added: “The Tanaiste’s Ten Point €70m plan includes measures aimed both at minimising the need for people to go to A&E and freeing up beds in hospital for people awaiting admission.”
The HSE is currently in talks with hospitals on setting up minor injury clinics and specialist clinics.
An additional 200 Acute Hospital Beds are to be provided this year.
The Oireachtas Committee also heard that HSE talks have started with GPs on the extension of out of hours and weekend GP cover to take pressure from A&E units.
The HSE is also in discussions with three Dublin hospitals on setting up acute medical assessment units before the autumn to fast-track A&E patients.
Businessman Ben Dunne yesterday contacted RTE’s Liveline to donate €30,000 to buy three Portakabins to accommodate A&E patients at the Mater.
Up to 20 companies then phoned in and offered bedside lockers, chairs, televisions, electrical equipment, floor covering, lighting, paint, curtains, blinds, plants, crockery, and plant hire.
The HSE tonight said it appreciated “the help and support of all members of the public who are willing to assist us in addressing pressures n Accident & Emergency services”.
However the Mater tonight said the Portkabins were unsuitable for it’s a&E patients and said it was awaiting a decision from the HSE on a proposed 12-bed waiting facility on its grounds.
A Mater spokesperson said it may be able to take up the offer of the donated equipment and furnishings if the facility was approved.
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