The Eastern Regional Health Authority has announced a number of measures aimed at alleviating the pressure on Accident and Emergency departments.
The moves, agreed today in association with the Department of Health, include improved services for patients who have been discharged from hospitals in the Eastern Region.
It is intended that this will help to relieve the pressure on A&E departments, which have hit the headlines in recent days with a number having to close temporarily because of overcrowding.
Today’s plans include the funding of additional community and nursing home beds and the extension of community support services, with the cost to be met from within current resources.
The Minister for Health, Mr Martin, said he hoped the measures would result in a significant improvement in the current situation.