Vol. 473 No. 3
78 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health the number of wards closed in each of the main six Dublin hospitals since September 1996; the number of day procedure operations cancelled per working day during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25169/96]
Limerick East): As the size of wards vary, a more accurate reflection of the position, in this instance, is set out. Since September 1996, the only hospital of the major six in Dublin to close beds, except for seasonal closures at Christmas, is the Mater Hospital.
I understand that the following is the position in the Mater Hospital. In September, an average of 42 beds were closed. In October the average figure was 20 beds closed. All beds were open in November and to date in December, an average of 15 beds have been closed. At various times since September 1996, a combination of day-beds, five day-beds and seven day-beds have been closed.
In the major six Dublin hospitals the average number of day procedures which were challenged per working day from September to date is approximately four.
