In the context of the health strategy and the review of acute hospital bed capacity, the Government decided to provide an additional 3,000 beds in acute hospitals by 2011. Funding was provided for a total of 709 beds in the first phase. To date, over 560 of these beds have been commissioned and the remainder are expected to come on stream shortly. My Department is currently examining the regional issues associated with the allocation of the remainder of the 3,000 beds.
It is a feature of all acute hospital systems that some beds are out of use for short periods. Bed closures can result from ward refurbishment, essential ward maintenance, staff leave and seasonal closures, and may fluctuate over time. In 2003 some beds have also been temporarily closed for financial management reasons.
The Government is committed to further increasing the acute hospital bed stock in the context of the availability of the necessary financial resources.