Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister says it will be 2018. If it makes sense now, would it not make sense to prioritise it?

Even though pilot ESD programmes have been proven to be effective, only three early supported discharge teams are in existence covering four acute hospitals. If we have all decided we agree on it, it is farcical not to act on it. International studies show that 25% to 40% of all stroke patients can benefit from early supported discharge programmes. The long-established cost effectiveness helps in the production of any business case. It is estimated that we could save between €2 million and €7 million a year. It is not just saving money; it is good for the patient to have early supported discharge. When will we see this in place? Since it has been proven to work, I do not know what the problem is leading to its delay.

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