Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Alan Shatter

Question:

475 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will have an investigation made into the complaints in relation to James Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, by a person (details supplied) in a letter dated 2 March 1998 (details supplied); and his views on whether it is acceptable that a person attending accident and emergency be treated in the manner described in the letter or that it is acceptable that the conditions in any hospital are as described in the correspondence. [9440/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

Following receipt of representations on behalf of the person referred to I asked the hospital authorities at James Connolly Memorial Hospital to investigate this matter and forward a report. The hospital authorities have assured me that hygiene standards in the accident and emergency department are maintained at all times and I have recently replied to the representatives on this basis.

Alan Shatter

Question:

476 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of acute hospital beds available in 1985, 1990, 1995 and 1998; and his views on whether the number of acute hospital beds available is grossly deficient to meet public health needs. [9441/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The most recent year for which this information is available is 1997. Data for 1985 and 1990 refer to the in-patient bed complement of all publicly funded acute hospitals at 31 December. Data for 1995 and 1997 refer to the average number of in-patient beds available for use over the full year taking beds that have been temporarily opened or closed into account. Day beds and beds in district, psychiatric and private hospitals are excluded from the table.

	1985	1990	1995	1997
In-Patient Beds	14,898	11,868	11,953	11,861*

*Provisional figure.

I am satisfied that the total in-patient bed stock is adequate to meet national acute hospital needs.