Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 557: To ask the Minister for Health if the special delivery unit has implemented a new plan of action for accident and emergency in the Mater Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30593/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In early October this year, the new emergency department at the Mater Hospital will open. This is an integral part of the €284m new adult hospital at the Mater and will provide significant additional space and capacity to treat patients with dignity and respect. Patient comfort, safety and quality will be greatly enhanced in a significantly upgraded and top quality environment.

The Mater fully supports and has committed itself to the implementation of 18 national clinical care programmes. The hospital has advised my department that, in July 2012, it will implement the first phase of the Acute Medicine Programme, which along with the Care of the Elderly Programme and the Elective Surgery Programme will significantly improve waiting times for patients awaiting admission to the hospital for both scheduled and unscheduled care. Three new consultant physician posts are currently being recruited as part of the Acute Medicine Programme. These will improve access to senior clinical decision makers and ensure that patients are diagnosed and treated as quickly and efficiently as possible, in order to avoid the need for acute hospitalisation where possible. This also involves changes in work practices and routines to ensure that waste and delays are addressed, to maximise the capacity available for acute patient care by keeping lengths of stay to a minimum.

The hospital is working collaboratively with the Special Delivery Unit in these matters. Weekly focussed meetings ensure that progress is made to help further reduce excessive trolley waits and to meet nationally agreed waiting times for scheduled care.