Ruairí Quinn
Question:96 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of new rehabilitation beds created in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area in 2000 and 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25618/01]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
The development of health related services, including medical rehabilitation, in the eastern region is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority in the first instance. I have been informed by the authority that the current position is as follows: the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire currently has 123 beds. No new rehabilitation beds were created in the hospital in 2001 or 2002; a number of developments at the National Rehabilitation Hospital have taken place to ensure that clients are assessed more efficiently and that treatment is appropriate and comprehensive; 12 new rehabilitation beds were commissioned this year in the Royal Hospital Donnybrook for young chronically disabled patients. Discussions are ongoing regarding a comprehensive review of the rehabilitation services in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area.