Jimmy Deenihan
Question:89 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health his views on the proposed closure of a 30 bed ward in Tralee General Hospital, County Kerry in July 1992, this being the peak of the tourist season in County Kerry.
Written Answers. - Tralee (Kerry) General Hospital.
As the Deputy is aware, the organisation of services at Tralee General Hospital is essentially a matter for the Southern Health Board. The board has made provision for some seasonal closures in its service plans for Tralee General Hospital in 1992. Seasonal closures are a normal occurence for almost all acute hospitals and indeed are part and parcel of the provision and organisation of hospital services throughout the country. This has been the case over the last number of years and is not a new situation for Tralee General Hospital.
The seasonal closures are planned to coincide with periods when staff are on annual leave and when the level of activity at the hospital has traditionally decreased. It is frequently argued that summer bed closures in tourist populations centres such as Tralee cause hardship. However, this has not been the experience in Tralee. While it is true to say that last year, for example, attendances at the accident and emergency department increased during the summer months, it is equally true to say that in-patient admissions to the hospital through the accident and emergency department were significantly reducing during the same period. I would stress that the accident and emergency department will not be affected by the seasonal closure of beds at Tralee General Hospital.
Seasonal closures are organised in such a way as to have the least possible impact on the services for patients and are carried out in consultation with the medical consultants concerned. As in the past, all emergency services will continue to be provided during the period of these seasonal closures. The situation will be constantly monitored by the Southern Health Board and my Department and, should a situation arise which gives rise to hardship for patients, the matter will be dealt with promptly.