Vol. 536 No. 5
235 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the average number of patients lying on trolleys in accident and emergency units at each unit throughout the country over the winter period; and the average length of stay for patients on these trolleys at each unit. [15039/01]
The information requested by the Deputy is not routinely collected in my Department. However, accident and emergency statistics are an important measure of the operational efficiency of the service and are monitored on an ongoing basis by the health boards. Therefore my Department has asked the regional chief executive officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the chief executive officers of the health boards to compile the information requested and to forward it to the Deputy directly.
236 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of long stay beds managed by the Western 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. [15041/01]
The number of long-stay beds under the direct control of the Western Health Board is 1,393. 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 1,053. 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.
