Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

That is what I meant. There are two types of unit. I understand Tallaght Hospital has just got an admission lounge and other hospitals are getting acute assessment medical units.

I fully agree with Deputy Reilly that we need to have the kind of measures in place which I know he would like from a general practitioner perspective, in particular for the management of chronic illness in the community. Many patients, especially older people who thankfully are living longer, have chronic illnesses such as diabetes and if such illnesses can be managed, we will relieve pressure on the acute hospital system.

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