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14/01/2010
HSE Introduces Plan For Fewer Admissions
The Health Service Executive has launched a proposal to cut the number of people admitted to hospital for treatment.
The plan was submitted to the Department of Health late last month for approval and details an effort to produce a reduction in admissions this year by around 54,000.
The document projects under 541,000 inpatient treatments this year, compared with nearly 595,000 last year.
The news comes as nursing staff in Kerry General Hospital have spoke of their difficulties in attempting to contend with unprecedented numbers within their A&E Department last night.
The treacherous conditions and spike in injuries resulted in 26 admissions to the Hospital where only five vacant beds existed at the beginning of the night duty shift.
In addition the 4 staff on duty would have had to deal with all other referrals to the Accident and Emergency Department. The Irish Nurses Organisation said the situation was further compounded due to the fact there is no dedicated emergency doctor on duty from 10.00pm.
Speaking today, Michael Dineen, Industrial Relations Officer for the organisation, said: "The situation that presented within the A&E of Kerry General Hospital last night is totally unsafe and seriously compromises our members’ ability to deliver a safe and effective service. It should have been apparent to management of the hospital during normal working hours yesterday that 5 vacant beds within a hospital the size of Kerry General Hospital was insufficient to ensure that the needs of the public could be met overnight.
"Management of the HSE have been aware prior to Christmas that there would not be adequate emergency medical cover available to provide a 24 hour service since December 28th last. Despite this, there has been no effort on their part to provide appropriate alternative cover nor have sufficient contingencies been put in place to ensure that the difficulties as experienced last night would not occur."
(DW/GK)
The plan was submitted to the Department of Health late last month for approval and details an effort to produce a reduction in admissions this year by around 54,000.
The document projects under 541,000 inpatient treatments this year, compared with nearly 595,000 last year.
The news comes as nursing staff in Kerry General Hospital have spoke of their difficulties in attempting to contend with unprecedented numbers within their A&E Department last night.
The treacherous conditions and spike in injuries resulted in 26 admissions to the Hospital where only five vacant beds existed at the beginning of the night duty shift.
In addition the 4 staff on duty would have had to deal with all other referrals to the Accident and Emergency Department. The Irish Nurses Organisation said the situation was further compounded due to the fact there is no dedicated emergency doctor on duty from 10.00pm.
Speaking today, Michael Dineen, Industrial Relations Officer for the organisation, said: "The situation that presented within the A&E of Kerry General Hospital last night is totally unsafe and seriously compromises our members’ ability to deliver a safe and effective service. It should have been apparent to management of the hospital during normal working hours yesterday that 5 vacant beds within a hospital the size of Kerry General Hospital was insufficient to ensure that the needs of the public could be met overnight.
"Management of the HSE have been aware prior to Christmas that there would not be adequate emergency medical cover available to provide a 24 hour service since December 28th last. Despite this, there has been no effort on their part to provide appropriate alternative cover nor have sufficient contingencies been put in place to ensure that the difficulties as experienced last night would not occur."
(DW/GK)
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Ireland WeatherToday:Showers today, occasional north and west of Lough Neagh, but only a few isolated light outbreaks expected for Belfast and county Down where the best of the winter sunshine is expected. West to northwest winds brisk around the coasts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers focused across northern areas of the Province, with most in the south staying dry, with a frost developing for many here. Northwest winds fresh around the coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
