Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018
756. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the net increase in the number of beds at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda expected when the new hospital extension is opened; when the new beds will come on stream; the overall cost of the extension project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54777/17]
View answerTackling overcrowding in EDs is a key commitment of this Government and €30 million was made available for winter pressures in 2017 and a further €40 million in 2018 as part of the 2018 Budget.
I can assure the Deputy that all the Winter Plan measures funded by increased investment by Government, like increased access to home care, transitional care and diagnostics along with additional acute bed capacity, are being implemented to deal with the extra pressures our health service is experiencing. As part of these measures, I can confirm that 25 beds have already been opened at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
