asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Mid-Western Health Board have reduced the number of beds available at Ennis General Hospital, County Clare, to 76 made up of 40 medical, 24 surgical, six day only surgical and six ICU; if his Department officials have indicated whether this is economically viable in medical terms when the Project Team report is considered and also the report he commissioned during 1987; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Ennis (Clare) Hospital.
73.
The number of beds to be provided at Ennis General Hospital is a matter for decision by the Mid-Western Health Board in the first instance. The board have given careful consideration to the question of hospital services for County Clare and have decided that Ennis hospital should continue to provide acute medical and surgical treatment for its present catchment population. In determining the exact level of services and number of beds required it was necessary for the board to examine the population of the area and its characteristics; the number of patients who travel outside the county for hospital treatment; and the relationship which exists between this hospital and Limerick Regional Hospital. Following assessment of all these factors the board have decided that a total of 76 beds, covering general medicine, general surgery and intensive care-coronary care will be sufficient to provide an acceptable level of service.
My Department has also given this matter detailed consideration in the light of the review of the acute hospital system carried out last year. In the circumstances, I endorse the arrangements being made by the Mid-Western Health Board to rationalise hospital services and I am confident that Ennis hospital will continue to provide a satisfactory level of care for its patients.