The number of general medical and surgical beds decreased from 13,753 in 1990 to 11,862 in 2000. Approximately 2,000 beds were removed from the system between 1991 and 1993. The number of beds has remained relatively unchanged since 1993.
A comprehensive review of acute hospital bed capacity needs has been conducted by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and in consultation with the social partners. On foot of that review, the Government has decided in the context of the new Health Strategy, Quality and Fairness: A Health System for You, to provide an additional 3,000 beds in acute hospitals over the next ten years. A total of 650 of these beds will be in place by the end of 2002.