The IAEM said in a statement that “the subsequent instruction from the HSE’s Director General requires specified actions to take place; mandates specific reporting arrangements and ultimately may lead to fines being imposed on hospitals which fail to comply with the directive.”
The IAEM added that although it regards financial penalties a “blunt instrument” the “move is an imperative for hospitals to act where previously they may not have.”
“It also equalises the perceived bias in favour of scheduled care indicated previously by the introduction of fines for hospitals not meeting scheduled care targets.
“The moves outlined by the Minister are a clear step in the right direction.”
However despite the positive words regarding the measures the IAEM also warns that “to accept that it is legitimate that 236 patients remain on hospital trolleys is both medically and ethically wrong.”
