Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

A medical assessment unit, MAU, which is consultant-led, opened in Cavan hospital on 30 March 2009. It provides a fast-track alternative to the emergency department for patients who require an urgent medical assessment. Patients can be referred directly by their GP to the medical assessment unit. Since the introduction of the MAU, the average waiting time for full medical diagnosis has reduced from eight hours to three hours. This unit is assessing patients and putting in place appropriate treatment plans that include admission to a medical bed. However, the reduction in diagnosis times is facilitating an increased level of discharges. As a result, this MAU has freed up bed capacity in Cavan hospital.

A new 24-hour observation ward, which is managed by emergency department consultants, has further reduced the Cavan hospital inpatient bed requirement. This observation ward will also reduce surgical admissions in Cavan. An admissions lounge, which is a new six-bedded ward, is now also in place in Cavan hospital. It is aimed at ensuring that no patient from the MAU, observation ward or emergency department will be obliged to wait on a corridor.

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