Vol. 575 No. 3
238 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason acute psychiatric beds are not included under the winter initiative; the number of such acute beds which could be released in each health board area if such a scheme were introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28200/03]
The winter initiative was introduced in 2000 to assist the acute hospital system to deal with increases in attendances at accident and emergency departments during the winter months. One of the factors affecting the ability of the hospital system to facilitate the timely admission of patients is the high number of acute beds which are occupied by patients who have completed the acute phase of their illness. Funding under the winter initiative has been used to place such patients, many of whom are elderly and require a further level of care, in a more appropriate environment.
In this regard, I was pleased to provide additional funding this year of €5.5 million to facilitate the discharge of patients who were deemed medically suitable. Under this initiative, funding of €3.8 million was allocated to the Eastern Regional Health Authority and €1.7 million to the Southern Health Board.
The identification of patients considered suitable for discharge under the winter initiative is a matter for the ERHA and the health boards.
