John Browne
Question:41 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Health when his Department will give approval for the 12 additional beds in the Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow.
Written Answers. - Hospital Beds Provision.
Liam Aylward
Question:134 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health if he will approve the request for finance by the South Eastern Health Board for the provision of 12 additional beds in a hospital (details supplied).
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 134 together. The Programme for Economic and Social Progress provides for the development of services for the elderly. The scope of the programme is designed to: expand home nursing and other support services for the elderly and their carers living at home; extend respite facilities to relieve the families caring for dependent elderly at home; provide specialist assessment and rehabilitation units associated with the main acute general hospitals; and ensure adequate numbers of extended care beds in those boards experiencing a rapid increase in the elderly population. All health boards have been asked to prepare plans to implement the above commitments. The provision of 12 additional beds in the Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow for assessment and rehabilitation of the elderly will depend on the priorities of the South-Eastern Health Board and the amount of money made available under the programme.