Written answers

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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602. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address delayed discharges from Galway/Roscommon University Hospital Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22273/13]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Delayed Discharges continue to present a significant challenge to the optimal use of acute hospital resources. The HSE remains seriously concerned regarding the situation in relation to delayed discharges since the New Year. Delayed Discharges impede the operational functioning of a hospital, and exposes the mainly older persons concerned to the inappropriate risks of acute hospital stays e.g. hospital acquired infections. Higher numbers of delayed discharges can also be associated with extended waits in the Emergency Department. There is a body of international evidence that demonstrates that longer ED waits is also associated with poorer mortality and morbidity outcomes for patients. It is essential that this issue is successfully addressed. In response to this growth, number of actions have been initiated. These include the establishment by me of a ministerial Task Force to deliver substantial improvements in delayed discharges, including a review of the operational arrangements associated with the ‘Fair Deal’ scheme.

Senior personnel have been tasked with improving cross hospital-community process issues, focusing first on the ‘longest waiting’ delayed discharges (>100 days). The aim is to remove all local barriers to discharge and identify those matters which require action at a national level. The management teams have been making good progress with respect to these tasks and it is intended to quickly roll-out this structure to all areas.

New reporting systems and processes have also been introduced. A HSE web-based database that allows tracking at patient level (on an anonymous basis) is in the implementation phase in a number of hospital sites. In addition, the current categorisation of reasons for delay has been reviewed. New categories, which should give enhanced data on the blocks to discharge, are due for implementation nationally on May 20. The data captured through the web-based system will facilitate revised metrics for each hospital. There will be a greater emphasis on reducing the bed days lost to delayed discharges, with targets established on a site-by-site basis.

As issues relating to specific matters taken to address delayed discharges from Galway/Roscommon University Hospital Group are operational matters for the HSE, I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to this.

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