A&E report blames beds and discharge planning

A DAMNING report on the Accident and Emergency crisis has strongly criticised bed management and consultants’ practices in 23 major acute hospitals nationwide.

The report, commissioned following last year's A&E nurses' strike, was carried out by Capita Consultants in a bid to find a solution to the ongoing crisis.

Earlier this month, another crisis erupted when the Easter Regional Health Authority asked the public not to attend A&E departments unless it was absolutely necessary.