John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 180: To ask the Minister for Health the assurances he will give to the general public that it is safe to attend accident and emergency services at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18059/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My first priority is the safety of patients. I am aware that serious concerns have been expressed about the functioning of the Emergency Department in Tallaght. I welcome the decision of HIQA to instigate an independent investigation so that these issues can be addressed as quickly as possible.

The HSE and Tallaght Hospital are working hard to address the ED problems in the hospital. Specifically:

The HSE continues to support Tallaght in implementing its National ED Escalation Framework Programme.

The number of ED consultants has increased from 1 to 3 in recent years and the appointment of a fourth consultant has recently been approved.

A specific capital plan was approved to enable the ED physical environment to be modified to assist in the streaming of patients.

Approval has also been given for the recruitment of two additional acute medicine physicians as part of the development of the Acute Medical Assessment Unit in line with the Clinical Care Programmes.

A Senior HSE expert is assisting Tallaght in the hospital's comprehensive review of discharge processes. This will assist both with delayed discharges and with the reduction of average length of stay.

The HSE and Tallaght Hospital will continue to work closely together to ensure the development of a safe, responsive and high quality emergency service. I welcome the fact that Tallaght Hospital and the HSE will co-operate fully with the HIQA investigation. Finally, it is clear that the problems at Tallaght underline the need for the Special Delivery Unit which I announced recently.