Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:90 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to the State, overall and per bed, of beds in public hospitals designated for private patients in 2001. [19566/02]
Vol. 556 No. 2
90 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to the State, overall and per bed, of beds in public hospitals designated for private patients in 2001. [19566/02]
The estimated cost of an in-patient bed in a major teaching hospital for 2001 was €558 per day. This can be offset by either the private bed charge, which was €239, or by the semi-private charge of €187. The offset results in a net cost to the State of €319 or €371 respectively.
With regard to other acute hospitals, the average daily cost in 2001 was an estimated €416 per day. This can be offset by either the private bed charge, which was €197 or by the semi-private charge of €160. The offset results in a net cost to the State of €219 or €256 respectively.