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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

206 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by the IHCA that the shortage of both hospital beds and the insufficient supply of step down care services is leading to readmission of many patients soon after discharge; the steps he will take to deal with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24536/00]

Bernard Allen

Question:

484 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the situation whereby the shortage of both hospital beds and the insufficient supply of step down care services is leading to many patients being readmitted to hospitals soon after being discharged. [24120/00]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 484 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, I have initiated a national review of bed capacity in both the acute and non-acute sectors. This review is in line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. The review is being conducted by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and in consultation with the social partners. I have presented the interim findings of the review to my Government colleagues and identified a range of short to medium term investment proposals aimed at addressing identified service difficulties in both sectors.

One of the issues identified in the interim report to Government was the need to alleviate anticipated service pressures over the winter period. In this regard I was pleased to announce recently an investment package of £25 million to address a number of key service issues in the acute and non-acute sectors. The investment is being targeted at a number of areas, including the provision of additional step down facilities for patients who have completed the acute phase of their treatment. Many of these patients are older people and require a further level of care in a more appropriate environment. Under the winter initiative, at least 500 additional nursing home places will be contracted from private nursing homes. I am satisfied that this element of the initiative will increase the capacity of the acute hospital sector to address the problem of inappropriate use of hospital beds and will enhance the level of step down care available.

The second phase of the bed review is now under way and will involve the development of a longer term investment strategy for the acute and non-acute sectors. The review will also involve a more detailed assessment of need, including an analysis of future bed requirements by specialty. I anticipate that the review will be completed in spring 2001.
Finally, as part of the bed review, officials from my Department have held discussions with the IHCA and will be meeting again in the coming weeks as the review is further advanced.
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