Removal of patients from beds
Deputy Buckley asked whether legislation allowed the HSE to instruct nurses to remove patients from hospital beds. The Tánaiste said the memo had been withdrawn, the Minister had made his position clear, and it was not Government policy.
Is there anything in legislation that gives the HSE powers to instruct nurses to remove patients from hospital beds? I refer to a story that was carried on RTE yesterday.
Comment on this
I have no doubt that the Minister for Health and the HSE director is addressing the issue before the health committee as we speak. The issue the Deputy raises relates to a memo which was circulated containing some legal advice. The Minister has made his position clear and the director has withdrawn the memo. It does not reflect Government policy on or its approach to people who are in hospital.