Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

It is about how one uses the beds. For example, in some Dublin hospitals, only 30% of people undergoing surgery are admitted on the same day. That should be closer to 70%. We know that many patients are not discharged home before 11 a.m. Good practice is that they should be able to be discharged by 11 a.m. in order that those who require admittance from the accident and emergency department may be accommodated.

I recently opened a new minor injury facility for the Mater Hospital, which is being funded. It has seen 1,700 patients which has greatly improved conditions in the Mater Hospital accident and department.

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