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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Jul 1992

Vol. 422 No. 4

Written Answers. - Health Board Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

163 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the way in which health boards can fulfil their statutory obligations to the public in view of the fact that 1,200 beds, which is one tenth of the total complement of beds nationally, are to be closed for the summer months.

The provision of acute hospital services is a matter for each health board having regard to their competing service priorities and the resources at their disposal. Some health boards have made provision for seasonal closures in their service plans for 1992. I should point out that seasonal closures are not unusual and, indeed, are part and parcel of the provision and organisation of hospital services throughout the country. This has been the case over many years. Seasonal closures are often planned to coincide with staff annual leave and when the level of activity at the hospital has traditionally decreased. All emergency and urgent services will, of course, continue to be provided. I would like to take this opportunity to assure the Deputy that my Department is closely monitoring the situation regarding seasonal closures and is keeping in constant touch with the health agencies about this matter. Should it emerge that undue hardship arises, I have no doubt that the health board concerned would take appropriate action with a view to alleviating the situation.

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