Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

Dr. Martin Connor has been working with the hospital. The difficulty is sometimes not in the emergency department but at the other end, which is where the blockages occur. Although it will be difficult, this is the type of issue we will have to deal with. It is not always about money, but about processes, how people work, step-down facilities and ensuring people are discharged when they can be. The idea of the consultant, whether in surgery or medicine, having two rounds a day will help that process. Dr. Connor is working with the hospital, particularly in the run-in to winter, to ensure there is a smoother transition. I will keep the Deputy informed.

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