Vol. 413 No. 2
100 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Health if it is intended to close any wards or beds in Sligo General Hospital over the Christmas period; if so the number of wards or beds that will be affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The North-Western Health Board have advised me that the hospital will suspend elective activity in 71 beds during the period 15 December 1991 to 5 January 1992. This is a period when there is a seasonal decrease for elective admissions and hospital staff take annual leave. All emergency and urgent services will, of course, continue to be provided.
As the Deputy will be aware closures of some beds over the Christmas period is common practice in hospitals since patients are generally reluctant to enter hospital for elective procedures at that time.
101 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Health if she will outline the duration which wards or beds in Sligo General Hospital were closed this summer.
The North-Western Health Board have advised me that since 1985 the practice has been to close beds to coincide with periods when staff were on annual leave. The board have advised me that 71 beds were closed during the period of 29 July to 15 September 1991. All emergency and urgent services were, of course, provided during these periods.
