Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 October 2018
240. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if five additional beds allocated to Monaghan Hospital in 2013 have been opened; if not, the reason therefor; his plans for additional allocation of beds to ease pressure on Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda, and Cavan General Hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44095/18]
View answerIncreasing bed capacity is a Government priority.
Over the past 12 months an additional 240 beds have been opened nationally of which:
- 25 additional beds opened in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda by end quarter 4 2017;
- A further 4 additional beds opened in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda by end quarter 3 2018;
- 30 additional beds are planned for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda for early 2019.
- Other capacity developments funded this year include the new Emergency Department at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, which is part of a major capital infrastructure project. The capital development of the campus includes additional beds, theatres and an expanded ED. The HSE have advised the Department that the new ED extension will be completed and available to open in quarter 1 2019.
This investment has contributed to a 28.7% reduction in trolleys in OLOL this year compared to last year.
This increase in capacity does not take account of the impact of the €10 million in funding in Budget 2019 to increase acute bed capacity in line with the recommendations of the Health Service Capacity Review. My Department is currently in discussions with the HSE, in the context of the National Service Plan 2019, to identify the sites for investment and the associated number of beds, as part of an agreed capacity programme for 2019.
In relation to the particular query raised on the 5 Rehab/Step down beds in Monaghan, RCSI Hospital Group has informed the Department that those beds remain closed. The opening of these beds will be considered as part of the process outlined above.
