asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the anxiety in Kerry as a result of the proposed closure by the Southern Health Board of 109 hospital beds in Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Closure of Kerry Hospital.
46.
The responsibility for the management of hospital services in Kerry is a matter for the Southern Health Board in the first instance. The board is at present examining the overall utilisation of beds in County Kerry and this matter was considered at the meeting of the board which was held on 6 January 1986. At that meeting it was decided that the whole question of long stay accommodation in County Kerry should be the subject of a report to be prepared by the programme manager for general hospital care. It is expected that this report will be available shortly.