asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently awaiting admission to hospitals in the Dublin region; and if he is satisfied that the bed situation is adequate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Accommodation.
32.
I have not got detailed statistics on the total number of persons awaiting admission to hospitals in Dublin. This total would be made up of two elements—those scheduled to enter hospital but whose admission is not urgent, and those waiting for treatment for urgent conditions. If the average waiting period for non-urgent conditions were unduly long, this would be of concern to me but I have no evidence that it is. As far as urgent admissions are concerned, I have had inquiries made from the Bed Bureau in order to establish to what extent difficulties are currently being experienced in securing urgent admission of patients to the Dublin hospitals. The information obtained was that during the week ended 30th October, 1972, the bureau was asked to assist in securing admission for patients in only five cases. This does not suggest that there is a serious problem in urgent admissions.
It is considered that the total hospital bed provision in Dublin in general is adequate but, as demand is subject to variation—as, for example, in the case of maternity needs— the position is kept constantly under review so that adjustments can be planned to meet changing needs.