asked the Minister for Health whether he is satisfied with the present hospital bed patient ratio; whether the number of hospitals are reasonably adequate to cater for needs up to the early 1970's; and whether he is satisfied with the standards.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Bed Patient Ratio.
80.
I am not clear whether the Deputy is referring to every kind of hospital or to general hospitals in particular. On the assumption that the latter is the case, I would draw his attention to the report of the consultative council on the general hospital services which I have accepted in principle. The report shows that the number of general hospital beds in this country in relation to population is high by comparison with other countries. I am, in general, satisfied that the number of hospital beds is adequate to cater for the present patient demand and for expected needs for the next few years. As to the number of hospitals it is clear that we have too many rather than too few. The problem is that many of the hospitals are too small to support the type of organisation required in terms of present day medical practice. Reorganisation of the service on an appropriate basis will require concentration in a smaller number of larger units and this will involve extensive building over a period of years. The accommodation and facilities in hospitals which have been in operation for a century or more fall short of acceptable present day standards. These will be replaced as part of the reorganisation which I have mentioned.