John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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390. To ask the Minister for Health the recommended staff to patient ratio for emergency departments; the ratio for same at University Hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30050/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix in General and Specialist Medical and Surgical Care Settings in Adult Hospitals in Ireland was published earlier this year. This Framework sets out the staffing requirements and skill mix needed in our hospital wards to achieve the best outcomes for patients. It sets out a framework to determine the appropriate number of nurses and healthcare assistants required for each ward, based on the number of patients and their particular needs, rather than solely on the ward size. My Department is currently in the process of undertaking a similar exercise to establish appropriate staffing levels in Emergency Departments and the Department will publish its findings in due course.  

I am also aware that a WRC agreement was reached with the INMO in 2016 in relation to nursing staff levels in Emergency Departments.  The parties recently reaffirmed their commitment to this agreement.

In terms of the recommended staff to patient ratio in the Emergency Department in University Hospital Kerry, I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on that matter.