INO says A&E waiting-time targets 'unrealistic'

The Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) has described new targets for A&E waiting times as "unrealistic".

A task force set up to examine ways to tackle A&E overcrowding is reportedly recommending that the HSE set a target of admitting or discharging all patients at casualty units within a six-hour timeframe.

The INO, however, says this will be impossible without additional resources.

Spokesman Liam Doran says a lack of beds in hospitals and care homes, as well as work practices and poor physical infrastructure, mean it is unrealistic to implement such targets in the near future.