Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the findings of the recently published report of the Comptroller and Auditor General which found that there has been an increase in the number of patients waiting 12 hours or more between 2008 and 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10481/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, which I welcomed, highlighted a number of important ways in which services to patients at Emergency Departments can be improved. Many of the findings are being addressed by the HSE in the context of its National Service Plan 2010. The actions include improving access to diagnostics, proactive discharge planning, improving average length of stay, increasing day cases, same day admissions and improving the waiting time for patients following a decision to admit.

The report highlights important issues about how we devote our resources to emergency care and how we can get the best possible outcome for patients. The report is very much in line with the steps already underway by the HSE to reduce waiting times for patients and improve the efficiency of Emergency Departments.

While the report rightly points to unacceptable waiting times for patients waiting to be admitted, it is important to note that - 94% of patients who do not require admission were treated and discharged within the HSE's maximum target of 6 hours last year. - 87% of all patients at EDs (whether admitted or not) were treated and admitted or discharged within 6 hours. - 54% of patients needing admission get a bed within 6 hours. While this remains an area of continuing attention, it has improved from just 40% in February 2009. The key issues raised by the report are being addressed as a matter of priority. Specifically: - Clinical Directors have been appointed to each acute hospital, and will play a pivotal role in the organisation of effective ED services that meet patients' needs without delay. - The new consultant contract is based on a consultant-delivered service, which will help improve access to senior clinical decision making and help patients move through the service as quickly as possible. - There has been significant capital investment in Emergency Departments to improve both the fabric of the units and their capacity to meet patients' needs effectively. There has also been investment in the provision of Medical Assessment Units. - There has been substantial investment in services that reduce the need for hospital admission, including primary care teams, home care packages and home helps. - The Fair Deal scheme will help reduce delays in discharging patients from hospital, alleviating pressures on beds. The Minister has provided €97m for the scheme this year. - We need efficiencies throughout the health system. The C&AG's report raises important questions about the ratio of staff to patients in different EDs which will be pursued in detail by the HSE. My Department will continue to work with the HSE to address the issues raised in the report.

In relation to ED waiting times overall, I have held a series of meetings with HSE senior management to review progress and discuss next steps.