asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the ever-increasing demands on hospital beds, the loss of working hours by prolonged hospitalisation and the ever-increasing costs to the health services, he will consider recommending to hospitals that, where possible, investigation of patients be conducted in the minimum time; and if he will introduce an efficiency drive in this direction in hospitals under his control.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Patients.
59.
I am fully conscious on both humanitarian and economic grounds, of the need to ensure that the duration of stay of patients in hospital is no longer than is necessary. The average period spent in hospital has shown a definite downward trend in recent years. This is, to some extent, due to advances in therapeutic methods but it also reflects the better diagnostic and investigation facilities which have been made available. I shall keep the Deputy's suggestion in mind when considering steps to improve the position further.