The Eastern Regional Health Authority has announced plans for a new post of accident and emergency manager as part of an initiative to improve access and reduce waiting times in hospital casualty departments.
Along with 10 additional A&E consultants in the eastern region, the new management is expected to improve the co-ordination and control of patient flows.
Dedicated minor surgery units are also planned in five of the regions' acute hospitals. Up to now, patients who attended accident and emergency departments with minor injuries had to queue behind the seriously ill, adding to delays.
In a further attempt to triage patients who turn up with urgent problems, specialist clinics for chest pain and respiratory illnesses are also planned.
All non-acute hospitals in the ERHA are recruiting discharge co-ordinators to ensure the discharge of patients to the most appropriate setting.
A pilot project on the possible value of "discharge lounges" is currently under way. At present, many patients do not vacate beds until the afternoon of the day of discharge. By providing a waiting facility in the form of a "discharge lounge", it is hoped that new patients can be admitted earlier in the day.
"The measures, when implemented fully, will help to improve access to services, waiting times, patient flows and communication between medical staff and patients," said Dr Donal O'Shea, CEO of the ERHA.
The Minister for Health has approved ERHA plans to purchase a private hospital in Raheny, Dublin. St Joseph's Hospital will be used to treat public patients who are on waiting lists and for day-care services for older people.