asked the Minister for Health the present daily cost of a bed in (a) a teaching hospital and (b) a non-teaching hospital; and the contribution by the State towards this cost.
46.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Hospital Beds.
45.
asked the Minister for Health the weekly cost at the latest available date of a bed in (a) a teaching hospital (b) a non-teaching hospital and (c) a home where institutional care is provided.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.
The estimated average cost of a bed in a teaching hospital in the current financial year is in the range of £8 to £16 per day, that is, £56 to £112 per week. The corresponding figures for non-teaching hospitals, exclusive of long-stay institutions, are £7.50 to £12 per day, that is, £52.50 to £84 per week.
In regard to homes where institutional care is provided, I assume that the Deputy has in mind convalescent homes, homes for the aged and for persons suffering from physical or mental disability. The present estimated weekly cost of beds in such centres is in the range of £13 to £29 per week.
What is the contribution by the State towards the cost of a bed in a teaching hospital?
The present estimation of the weekly cost is £13 to £29.
Is that the State contribution?
Yes.