Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Health his views on the serious risk of cross infection to immuno compromised patients cancer patients, and other patients old and young waiting for long periods of 12, 24 and sometimes 48 hours in overcrowded accident and emergency departments in hospitals here; his plans to deal with these risks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16934/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs) continue to be a challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Ireland is not unique in this regard and tackling HCAIs here continues to be a priority for the Government and for the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Healthcare associated infection, including MRSA, is a challenge for all health systems across the world as healthcare becomes more intensive, complex and invasive. In 2007, the HSE launched its strategy "Say No To Infection" for prevention and control of healthcare-associated infection. A HSE HCAI Governance Group was established to lead on the implementation of this strategy and to monitor progress. Local implementation teams were also established to drive change at a local level.

As part of the governance and performance management regarding this issue the HSE is committed to ensuring that infection control is an integral part of clinical and corporate governance within every healthcare institution and hospital in Ireland and an acceptance that the prevention of infection is every healthcare worker's responsibility.

In addition the focus of the HSE prevention of healthcare-associated infection clinical programme is to prevent cross infection by improving hand hygiene, antibiotic prescribing and indwelling device care (to prevent urinary catheter and IV line infections) and monitoring compliance with National Infection Prevention and Control Standards.

Overcrowding in the Emergency Department is caused by many factors and any solution to problems that may arise from this issue must reflect this reality. The recently established Special Delivery Unit is the primary way I have chosen to address this.

This can be achieved by improving options for patients to avoid hospital attendance and facilitating hospital discharge. The HSE clinical care programmes including the chronic disease programmes, elective surgery, emergency medical care and acute medical programme when implemented will facilitate many aspects of this.

I have been in touch with the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) on this important issue of the risk of cross-infection resulting from overcrowding in accident and emergency departments in our hospitals. The Authority's National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections and National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare are available to support and guide providers on the quality and safety of care they provide. These standards outline what a good, safe, service looks like and what the public can expect in terms of standard of care.

However, I remain concerned at the potential risk to patients if in overcrowded Emergency Departments and have discussed this with my Department and the HSE to see what further immediate action can be taken to reduce this potential risk.