Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Feb 2001

Vol. 529 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Ivan Yates

Question:

108 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that there are adequate hospital facilities on the east coast between Wexford General Hospital and Loughlinstown Hospital, County Dublin, and that the very large and expanding population in south Wicklow and north Wexford and Carlow is being adequately serviced in terms of such hospital facilities; if he will conduct a review between his Department and the two respective health boards involved to see if there may be provision for a future hospital development to meet this growing area based need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2808/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of hospital services on the east coast between Wexford General Hospital and Loughlinstown Hospital, County Dublin is a matter for the relevant health authorities for the region – the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the South Eastern Health Board.

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 understand, in this regard, that the Eastern Regional Health Authority is in the process of completing a detailed assessment of bed capacity requirements for the region. The study will aim to systematically forecast the supply by speciality of in-patient, day care and elderly non-acute beds which are required. The South Eastern Health Board has also carried out a review to determine bed capacity needs in the acute and non-acute sectors.

The results of these studies will inform the preparation of a national assessment of future bed requirements. I propose to bring a report on this matter to Government in the coming months.