Bernard J. Durkan
Question:137 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the present access to hospitals for patients, other than those in the VHI category; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Patients' Access to Hospitals.
Consequent upon the passing of the Health (Amendment) Act, 1991 which extended eligibility for public hospital services to the entire population, new arrangements for admission to public hospitals are currently being introduced on a phased basis. These arrangements will ensure that, except in emergency cases, private patients are accommodated in designated private beds and public patients are accommodated in designated public beds. The effect of this provision is to ensure that the objective of improving equity of access is achieved by increasing availability of public beds for public patients.