I thank Deputy Foxe for raising this very important issue and for giving me the opportunity to outline the position on behalf of the Minister for Health.
The Minister has been aware for some time of the difficulties of overcrowding in Roscommon County Hospital and the Department had discussions earlier in the year with the management of the Western Health Board regarding the position in acute hospitals generally in the west. The board has stated that it is taking the necessary steps to alleviate the current pressure on beds in the hospital. These measures include the setting of an acceptable limit on the number of beds in medical wards at a given time which cannot be exceeded. A review of admission and discharge policies in the hospital is also under way. I commend the hospital authorities for their efforts to date which have resulted in a much reduced average length of stay for patients. The hospital management is also reviewing communications with general practitioners with a view to moderating the demands on hospital services. I am confident that this pragmatic approach to relieving the overcrowding at the hospital will lead to improved conditions for the Patients and staff. The Department will monitor the situation closely.
The proposal for extra bed space from the Western Health Board is being considered by the Department. However, the provision of additional beds in any current or future capital development will have to be agreed in the context of a board-wide strategy for the provision of acute hospital services in the region. The Department has to be satisfied that there is absolutely no alternative before it can consider approving the provision of additional acute beds.
During his visit to Roscommon County Hospital last June, the Minister announced details of a comprehensive capital and revenue funding package which will alleviate the pressure on acute hospital services in the Western Health Board area. He also expressed his desire that Roscommon County Hospital would be considered for some element of relief given the step up in the hospital's activities in recent years. I am pleased that the hospital received a substantial element of these additional moneys to address its revenue funding difficulties which had arisen in part from taking on additional nursing staff.
I reiterate the Minister's commitment to the continued development of services in Roscommon County Hospital for the benefit of patients in that area. The Minister recently approved the additional post of consultant surgeon at the hospital and it is expected that this investment will help to address the current demands on the hospital while at the same time giving this service a high profile among the community. The other investments made by the Minister in Roscommon County Hospital include the provision of a capital grant last year of £117,000 for the purchase of vital equipment for the coronary care unit. I understand that this funding has enabled the hospital to purchase much needed additional equipment.
The investments in Roscommon County Hospital which I have outlined are aimed at its full integration in the delivery of health services in the area. In light of the pragmatic approach being taken by the Western Health Board to deal with the current overcrowding in the hospital, I look forward to a favourable outcome. I am confident this approach, with the substantial investments being made by the Department, will ensure the long-term future of Roscommon County Hospital as a vital and flexible part of the acute hospital service in the west.
