AQW 43295/11-15

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 05/03/2015
Answered On Date: 11/03/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what additional risk to health and dignity his Department has considered in regards to patients in beds in hospital corridors.

Answer:

During periods of escalation, Health and Social Care Trusts will expand their capacity by increasing the number of beds available. I expect Trusts to ensure that any additional beds have the appropriate staffing levels and are in clinical areas that do not compromise the safety and/or dignity of patients. It is not appropriate for patients to be placed in beds situated in corridors.

Unfortunately, situations may arise where patients who require an inpatient bed are unable to access that bed immediately. In such cases, a bed is placed in the next most suitable environment until the right bed is available. Any areas where there are additional beds will have nursing and medical input, and a risk assessment is carried out to ensure patients’ needs are responded to. Nurses and medical staff, as well as managers, will continually assess the situation.