Vol. 536 No. 3
195 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of long-stay beds managed by the North Eastern Health Board; the number of private beds subvented by the health board in each community care area; if he plans to amend the regulations to ensure the elderly who need long-stay care are placed as near to their homes as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14300/01]
The number of long-stay beds under the direct control of the North Eastern Health Board is 928. These comprise a mixture of beds for assessment-rehabilitation, respite care, extended care, treatment of the elderly mentally infirm, convalescent care and welfare beds.
The number of beds subvented by the board in public or voluntary nursing homes is 407, in addition to which 80 beds are contracted out, in public or voluntary nursing homes. The figures for different community care areas are not available. I am satisfied that health boards, in general, make every effort to place long-stay patients as near as possible to their own homes.
