Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 7

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Ivor Callely

Question:

148 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of acute hospitals understood to be blocked at present due to lack of step down or appropriate facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23407/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The national number of beds inappropriately occupied at week ending 27 September 1998 was 443, which represents 3.5 per cent of the total number of acute hospital beds, 12,529 throughout the country.