Naughten update on extension of MAU opening hours
The HAC (Hospital Action Committee) has welcomed the news that the Design Team for the new Rehabilitation Unit at Roscommon University Hospital will be appointed in the first quarter of 2018.
However, the group has expressed disappointment that the CSSD (Sterilisation Unit) is not included with the Rehabilitation Unit project.
Cllr. Valerie Byrne and the HAC are now calling on Senator Frank Feighan and Minister Denis Naughten to ensure that the CSSD is included in the design project for the Rehabilitation Unit.
The HAC discussed these issues with Minister for Health Simon Harris when they met him in Dáil Éireann in late 2016.
Senator Frank Feighan says that he fully supports the HAC’s position.
“HIQA inspection reports going back to the end of last year did raise issues about the decontamination of some reusable invasive medical devices in unsuitable areas of the hospital.
“While the new Endoscopy Unit has now provided part of that solution in that all scopes are now being decontaminated at the new unit, I believe there is still a pressing need for a modern Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD) to sterilise reusable medical equipment.
“There are proposals to outsource the sterilisation of some of the hospital’s medical devices and equipment as a result of the issues arising from the HIQA inspection reports.
“However, I fully support the HAC’s opposition to such a move and I have been in discussions again this week on the matter”.
Meanwhile, Minister Naughten has said that the extension of opening hours at the Medical Assessment Unit at Roscommon Hospital will be contained in the HSE’s Service Plan for 2018, which is to be published this week.
Minister Naughten said he had sought the expansion of the services currently available at Roscommon Hospital to cater for more patients who need to see a doctor urgently, adding that he had “secured the funding needed to do so in October”.
“This will result in an increased number of patients being treated at the hospital while also relieving pressure on surrounding A&E departments,” commented Minister Naughten.
The MAU currently opens from 9 am-5 pm Monday to Friday. The extended hours will include evenings and weekends.
“This is an issue I have felt very strongly about since long before I became a member of Cabinet and I am delighted that my continued work and commitment in this area has led to this announcement,” added Minister Naughten.
