Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
1069. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of opening 500 acute beds in public hospitals by utilising existing space in acute hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21332/20]
View answerThe Health Service Capacity Review 2018 was clear on the need for a major investment in additional capacity in both acute hospitals and community, combined with a widescale reform of the manner and the location of where health services are provided. The National Development Plan provides for the recommended 2,590 additional acute beds by 2027, and approximately 770 of these beds have been provided to date. The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, commits to continuing investment in our health care services in line with the recommendations of the Health Service Capacity Review and the commitments in Project Ireland 2040.
In relation to the Deputy's specific question on the estimated cost of opening 500 acute beds in public hospitals by utilising existing space in acute hospitals, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
