Vol. 466 No. 2
78 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he intends to designate short stay observation beds in accident and emergency units for inpatients in view of the fact that no such beds are currently available in the accident and emergency unit, Cork University Hospital. [11251/96]
Limerick East): The Deputy will wish to know that there are currently eight designated short stay beds in the accident and emergency unit at Cork University Hospital. These beds are used primarily for patients who require overnight observation or short stay. All patients in the accident and emergency unit are initially placed under the care of the A & E consultant, and are subsequently referred on to other services, as appropriate.
The Deputy will be aware that, during 1995, the Southern Health Board established a working group to review the organisation and management of the accident and emergency services in Cork. Central to this review is the question of bed management. I understand that the report of the group has recently been completed and is being considered by the board. I expect to be in receipt of this report shortly.
