Duncan Smith
Question:1418. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the projected cost of delivering 1,500 additional acute beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37105/23]
View answerTuesday, 25 July 2023
Questions (1418)
Written answers
It is well recognised that additional hospital in-patient accommodation is required across a number of larger hospital sites to improve patient flow and reduce pressures on Emergency Departments (EDs). In response, the HSE is progressing opportunities for additional capacity, in blocks of 50-150, on a number of Model 3 and Model 4 hospital sites, with 24/7 EDs, across the country.
To drive time and cost efficiencies, these projects will be delivered using standardised repeatable design solutions, with standard schedules of accommodation, utilising off-site manufacturing approaches (Modern Methods of Construction) at a sufficient volume to support industrial manufacturing, with accelerated project delivery process.
A new volumetric framework approach is being developed for the 1,500 beds being proposed to ensure that a separate time and money-consuming process isn’t required for each site. While the primary requirement is likely to be inpatient accommodation, it may also include the provision of other hospital facilities such as, theatres, critical care beds and staff accommodation, consistent with the approach signalled in the HSE Capital and Estates Strategy.
Early indicative costing puts the scale of the programme in excess of €1 Billion, but it is too early in the process to be more definitive and, ultimately, cost certainty will only be confirmed following market engagement. I am currently in discussion with Government colleagues to secure support and the necessary additional funding to expedite the rapid construction and delivery of 1,500 additional acute beds across the country, using modern methods of construction, including modular construction. Details of the proposal will be confirmed as discussions progress.