Vol. 566 No. 4
208 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Western Health Board is not availing of the vacant beds in private nursing homes in the west to transfer patients from acute hospitals to recuperate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13065/03]
As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in the west is a matter for the Western Health Board, and in this regard I have enquired from the chief executive officer of the WHB, and was advised as follows:
The Western Health Board discharges patients into suitable facilities including district hospitals and private nursing homes where appropriate. Currently, Galway regional hospitals are availing of 70 beds in private nursing homes through my Department's winter initiative placement programme. Mayo General Hospital transfers patients to district hospitals in Ballina, Belmullet and Swinford and also to The Sacred Heart Home in Castlebar, when appropriate. Roscommon County Hospital is currently availing of a number of beds in private nursing homes through the winter initiative scheme.
