A consultant geriatrician at Roscommon hospital says he hopes a new arrangement will able to stop some older people being treated unnecessarily in Emergency Departments.
Dr Gerry O' Mara was commenting today on a scheme that will see some patients being brought directly to Roscommon hospital if they meet strict criteria.
The Medical Assessment Unit in Roscommon currently treats patients referred by GP's and the main difference now is that this referral pathway is being extended to paramedics working with the ambulance service.
Dr O' Mara says while he doesn't expect the new scheme will have any significant impact on overcrowding, it may prevent some older patients having to lie on trolleys for a number of days in an Emergency Department.
He spoke to Anne Norris on the Let's Talk show today about the new arrangement announced this week.
