Menu
27/05/2004
New initiative launched to cut trolley waiting lists
Health service managers from across Northern Ireland today attended a workshop on the development of a regional initiative to reduce trolley waits.
The initiative aims to deliver improvements to the way hospitals admit emergency patients, how those patients move through the hospital system and how they are discharged.
Welcoming today's event, the Minister said: “It is unacceptable that some patients have to wait on trolleys before being admitted to hospital. Tackling the trolley waits issue is one of my top priorities and I very much welcome today’s workshop. I believe the regional approach we are taking forward will bring about real improvements for patients.”
Reducing the number of patients waiting on trolleys is a key priority for the department. The Minister added: “For the first time I have set a target for all A&E departments to reduce trolley waits, by next March.
"The target aims to reduce by a third the number of patients waiting more than two hours for a decision to admit to admission to a ward.
"Boards and trusts will be required to submit proposals to streamline processes relating to emergency patient flows to the department by 31 august 2004.”
In March, Angela Smith revealed that waiting lists had fallen for the fifth consecutive quarter. According to the figures, hospital inpatient and day case waiting lists have decreased by more than 5,000 over the past 12 months.
This new initiative will be overseen and directed by a regional steering group comprising people with considerable experience in this area from across the service. The first meeting of this group was held on April 29.
(MB)
The initiative aims to deliver improvements to the way hospitals admit emergency patients, how those patients move through the hospital system and how they are discharged.
Welcoming today's event, the Minister said: “It is unacceptable that some patients have to wait on trolleys before being admitted to hospital. Tackling the trolley waits issue is one of my top priorities and I very much welcome today’s workshop. I believe the regional approach we are taking forward will bring about real improvements for patients.”
Reducing the number of patients waiting on trolleys is a key priority for the department. The Minister added: “For the first time I have set a target for all A&E departments to reduce trolley waits, by next March.
"The target aims to reduce by a third the number of patients waiting more than two hours for a decision to admit to admission to a ward.
"Boards and trusts will be required to submit proposals to streamline processes relating to emergency patient flows to the department by 31 august 2004.”
In March, Angela Smith revealed that waiting lists had fallen for the fifth consecutive quarter. According to the figures, hospital inpatient and day case waiting lists have decreased by more than 5,000 over the past 12 months.
This new initiative will be overseen and directed by a regional steering group comprising people with considerable experience in this area from across the service. The first meeting of this group was held on April 29.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 April 2024
Corrymeela And Starling Collective Launches Landmark Initiative
In a landmark initiative set to redefine the landscape of trauma in Northern Ireland, peace and reconciliation charity Corrymeela, in partnership with the Starling Collective, asylum seeking and refugee led Belfast based charity, has announced a transformative three-day series of events.
Corrymeela And Starling Collective Launches Landmark Initiative
In a landmark initiative set to redefine the landscape of trauma in Northern Ireland, peace and reconciliation charity Corrymeela, in partnership with the Starling Collective, asylum seeking and refugee led Belfast based charity, has announced a transformative three-day series of events.
09 February 2024
2nd Year Of Safety Equipment Initiative For Domestic Abuse Victims
An initiative providing security equipment to victims of domestic abuse who live in the Derry City & Strabane District has entered its second year. The aim of the initiative to help victims feel safer involves The Police Service of Northern Ireland and Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP).
2nd Year Of Safety Equipment Initiative For Domestic Abuse Victims
An initiative providing security equipment to victims of domestic abuse who live in the Derry City & Strabane District has entered its second year. The aim of the initiative to help victims feel safer involves The Police Service of Northern Ireland and Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP).
04 April 2024
Latest Phase Of Business Net Zero Initiative Launches
The latest phase of an ongoing initiative to help NI firms achieve their net zero ambitions, has been announced by the Department Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), in partnership with Digital Catapult.
Latest Phase Of Business Net Zero Initiative Launches
The latest phase of an ongoing initiative to help NI firms achieve their net zero ambitions, has been announced by the Department Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), in partnership with Digital Catapult.
21 March 2024
38,000 Expected To Support Big Spring Clean Initiative
Live Here Love Here, Northern Ireland's community and civic pride campaign, has announced the return of the region's largest volunteer clean-up campaign, Big Spring Clean, which saw over 38,000 volunteers take part in diverse clean-up activities in 2023.
38,000 Expected To Support Big Spring Clean Initiative
Live Here Love Here, Northern Ireland's community and civic pride campaign, has announced the return of the region's largest volunteer clean-up campaign, Big Spring Clean, which saw over 38,000 volunteers take part in diverse clean-up activities in 2023.
23 January 2024
£115,000 Announced For Belfast 'Grey To Green' Initiative
Funding of almost £115,000 has been announced to progress new 'green projects' in Belfast, as part of the 'A Bolder Vision for Belfast' initiative.
£115,000 Announced For Belfast 'Grey To Green' Initiative
Funding of almost £115,000 has been announced to progress new 'green projects' in Belfast, as part of the 'A Bolder Vision for Belfast' initiative.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
