Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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618. To ask the Minister for Health if he will report on the circumstances which led to the production of a reported memo issued to nurses regarding the removal of public patients from hospital beds; the person or persons responsible for approving the issuing of this memo; the steps which will be taken to establish accountability for this error; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35171/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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On 27 October it came my attention that a memo of legal advice had been issued within the HSE, regarding the removal of patients who no longer require acute hospital beds. This memo was provided by the HSE’s legal advisors to the National Director for Acute Hospitals. Immediately on becoming aware of the existence of this memo, the Department contacted the HSE who confirmed that it had been rescinded. I have already stated publicly that the memo was offensive and unacceptable and is utterly out of line with Government policy with respect to the care of patients and our vision for the health service.

The HSE has apologised and confirmed that the memo does not reflect the policy of the HSE. It is not in accordance with the HSE's espoused values of care, compassion and trust. It was written as legal advice and should never have been circulated at hospital and staff level.

The HSE is focussed on implementing the Winter Initiative 2016-2017, which it published on 9 September last. The Initiative provides €40 million of additional funding to manage the expected winter surge in demand for hospital care. The Initiative is primarily focussed on facilitating timely discharge from hospital, striking a balance between hospital avoidance measures, such as community intervention teams, supporting patient flow through acute hospitals and increasing the availability of social care services.