Mr. Liam Woods:

I will address the question of the escalation policy and what will happen in Drogheda around that. There has been some investment in capacity in Drogheda, which the Deputy will see on the sheet. There has also been investment in some older person services around Drogheda. A geriatrician and nursing team have been provided, which has happened very successfully in Connolly Hospital to try to keep people out of hospital, or if they are in hospital, to move them very quickly back into community support.

The escalation policy is designed with a view to clearing the emergency department by escalating to additional capacity in the hospital, to which the director general has referred. There are many steps to take place before that, for example, consultants doing ward rounds or perhaps double ward rounds. It is proper practice within the hospital to ensure we are encouraging proper flow. We can leave a copy of the policy with the committee but its intention is to do precisely what the Deputy wants, which is to improve the patient experience. We know there is a challenge in some hospitals around total capacity and Drogheda is one of those. I hope that answers the Deputy's question.

I think I have answered all the questions on the acute services.