Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

634 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which he has identified needs in respect of general medical, surgical and geriatric hospital beds; whether these requirements will be met in the foreseeable future in view of the needs arising from the increased population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24860/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

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. These proposals take account of the effect of projected increases in population.

One of the issues identified in the interim report to Government was the need to alleviate anticipated service pressures over the winter per iod. 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 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 medical and surgical specialty.

I might add that apart from these initiatives, this Government has significantly increased the level of resources available for the development of services for older people over the last few years.

A range of measures aimed at improving services for older people, including acute assessment and rehabilitation, day hospital, respite and extended care facilities, as well as home support have been identified and are being developed on a phased basis as part of the national development plan and my Department's annual service initiatives.

I acknowledge that much remains to be done in relation to meeting identified service shortcomings in this area and it is my intention to further develop these services for older people as part of the initiatives which I outlined.

Question No. 635 taken with Question No. 130.