Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
1239. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of beds and wards in hospitals (details supplied); the number of those beds and wards that are currently closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46983/13]
View answerI believe we must concentrate on getting the best possible services for patients from the budgets available to us. This means we need to focus on how beds are used, on the throughput of patients, on reducing length of stay to international norms and on having as many procedures as possible carried out as day cases rather than inpatient work.
Throughout 2013 hospitals will open and close beds on various wards in order to deliver the planned level of activity. These beds may be closed for a number of reasons, including cost containment, infection control and refurbishment. It is not possible at this time to determine what beds in which wards will be closed and what length of time they will be closed for. The decision to open and close beds is made at hospital management level and approved by the Regional Director for Performance and Integration.
In relation to the detailed information requested by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly in this matter.
