Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 27: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress of each point from her accident and emergency ten point plan; the numbers of MRI scanners, acute medical units, minor injury, chest pain and respiratory clinics since publication of the plan; the location of each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21330/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Tackling the current difficulties with A & E is the Government's top priority in health. Our objectives are to reduce the numbers waiting for admission, the time spent waiting for admission, and the turnaround time for those who can be treated in A & E and do not require admission.

The HSE is continuing to implement the 10 Point Action Plan. I have written to the Deputy giving him some information on the progress in relation to each of the actions, and my Department has also asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to provide the Deputy with additional information relevant to the specific matters raised.

In addition to the actions contained in the Action Plan, it has been agreed with the HSE that a number of additional measures will be implemented by the Executive. These include in particular the setting of performance targets for individual hospitals.

In the immediate term, the HSE is introducing a series of measures to improve facilities for patients and staff in A & E departments. Long-term care beds are being secured from within the private sector to facilitate the discharge of patients who have completed the acute phase of their care. The acute beds that become available as a result of this initiative will be ring-fenced for those patients awaiting admission in A & E departments. Funding is being made available within the capital programme to develop admissions beds and other facilities to ensure that patient privacy, dignity and comfort are preserved while awaiting admission to an acute bed.

The HSE has established a dedicated Task Force to oversee the implementation of the framework for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of services in our A & E departments. The Task Force will work with hospitals to introduce a system of "whole hospital" performance measures to improve the patient's journey not alone through the A & E department but through the hospital system from admission to discharge.

The achievement of improvements in A & E services is dependent on fundamental changes both in hospitals and in other areas of the health service. I am confident that by improving hospital processes and procedures, by providing additional step-down beds for those patients who do not require acute hospital care, and by expanding and enhancing primary and community care services we can achieve a sustained improvement in our A & E services.