Committee to question Harney about A&E reform plans

The Tánaiste Mary Harney is due to appear before the Oireachtas health committee today to answer questions about her plans to improve accident and emergency services.

Ms Harney, who is also Minister for Health, has unveiled a 10-point plan aimed at tackling A&E overcrowding, but has warned that it will take many months for the reforms to make a difference on the ground.

Speaking ahead of today’s committee meeting, Fianna Fáil TD Jimmy Devins said he would be asking Ms Harney to introduce more “step-down” beds in order to free up acute hospital beds.

Mr Devins, who is vice-chair of the committee, also said he would be urging the Tánaiste to introduce a countrywide system of assessment units, where, for example, a patient with heart difficulties would be directed to a specialised coronary care unit rather than treated in the A&E.