Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2018
579. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Queston No. 389 of 26 June 2018, if additional beds will be provided at Naas General Hospital in preparedness for winter 2018-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37806/18]
View answerI am aware that preparations and planning for winter 2018/19 have already begun at hospital group and local level. My Department is working with the HSE to ensure that these local and regional plans are consolidated and supported through a plan at national level to ensure the most effective response to the winter challenges to unscheduled care provision.
As previously outlined to the House, my Department has engaged with the HSE this year to identify the location and mix of beds across the hospital system, which can be opened and staffed this year and into 2019 in order to improve preparedness for Winter 2018/2019. A submission received from the HSE in this regard is currently under consideration by my Department. Furthermore, the funding of this proposal, which is time-critical, is being advanced as part of the 2019 estimates process.
