Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether a culture of acceptance of trolley waits in hospital accident and emergency departments exists; when she expects hospitals to meet the maximum target trolley waits as set out in the ED Task Force Report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22225/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I do not agree that a culture of acceptance of trolley waits exists. There have been considerable improvements in the delivery of services in Emergency Departments over the past two years, largely as a consequence of the intensive focus which has been put on this area. One indicator of improvement is the reduction in the average daily number of patients awaiting admission from 179 in 2005 to 92 in 2007.

While I acknowledge that there was an increase in the numbers during the early part of 2008, the numbers have since reduced. The average daily number of patients waiting for admission from Emergency Departments in May reduced to 87. However, I fully accept that we need to continue these improvements, particularly in terms of reducing waiting times. I believe that it is important to set clear targets for improvement and to measure performance accordingly. In line with this approach, the HSE has introduced a target waiting time of no more than 12 hours from decision to admit patients attending Emergency Departments.

Difficulties are largely confined to a number of major hospitals and the HSE is working closely with these hospitals to bring about further improvements. One of the particular challenges facing the HSE is the need to address bottlenecks in both the admission and discharge process. Among the initiatives being taken is the need to ensure that patients have an expected date of discharge within 24 hours of admission and that patients can be discharged in a more proactive manner at weekends. Implementation of a new Code of Practice on Discharge Planning is to commence next month in a number of hospitals, including the Mater, Beaumont, St. James's and Tallaght.

The Government is committed to building on the progress made over the last two years in improving services in Emergency Departments. We will support initiatives which are designed to improve access for patients and allow for more timely admissions and discharges. The objective is to move towards a lower target of 6 hours waiting from decision to admit in line with the recommendation of the Task Force report.