Patient Statistics.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2005

Thursday, 10 February 2005

Questions (36)

Gay Mitchell

Question:

29 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of high dependency patients under the care of the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4279/05]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. S. Power)

As the Deputy will be aware, the Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for high dependency patients. Accordingly, my Department has requested the national director of primary, community and continuing care of the Health Service Executive to investigate the matter raised and to reply direct to the Deputy.