Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 May 2005
191 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of hospital beds available in 1990; the number available now; if the position reflects needs created by increased population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15711/05]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Type of Bed |
1990 |
2004 |
|
In-Patient |
11,868 |
12,329 |
|
Day |
284 |
1,080 |
|
Total |
12,152 |
13,409 |
Source: 1990 — Health Statistics Report 1990, Department of Health — Bed Complement
Source: 2004 — Integrated Management Returns, Department of Health and Children — Average no. of beds in use (provisional figures)
The increase in acute hospital capacity has come about through investment in new facilities, the bed capacity initiative and the opening of new units in acute hospitals throughout the country.
The increase in day places reflects the changes in medical and surgical practices which allows for treatment without the necessity to stay in hospital overnight.
Activity levels in our acute hospitals continue to rise. We are now treating over 1 million patients as either inpatients or day cases.
