It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 26, 32, 176, 177 and 180 together.
The information sought is set out in the form of a tabular statement which is being circulated in the Official Report. Information relating to the number of surgical beds at present open in each health board area is currently being updated and will be forwarded to the Deputies as soon as it is available. The standard agreed planning hospital bed norm for surgery is 0.6 beds per 1,000 population.
|
Population* (1986 census)
|
No. of surgical beds at 31-12-86**
|
Eastern
|
1,262,238
|
1,040
|
Midland
|
187,994
|
194
|
Mid-Western
|
315,435
|
251
|
North-Eastern
|
282,035
|
290
|
North-Western
|
212,745
|
133
|
South-Eastern
|
384,974
|
298
|
Southern
|
536,894
|
379
|
Western
|
358,328
|
325
|
Total
|
3,540,643
|
2,910
|
*The population of the Eastern, Midland, North-Eastern and Western Health Boards have been adjusted to take account of flows of patients across health board boundaries.
**These figures for surgical beds are as reported to the Department of Health by hospitals and health boards. They do not include those surgical beds which are included in a total composite figure rather than being specifically categorised as surgical. Neither do the figures include many beds whose use could be regarded as surgical such as "children's beds" and those in gynaecology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, urology, cardiac surgery etc.
It should be noted that the above figures should be treated with caution due to the issues referred to in the notes to the table, the existence of many other complex elements in their make-up which the figures themselves do not clarify, and recent developments in the provision of hospital services.
With regard to the South Eastern Health Board area, I am satisfied that the number of surgical beds in that region is adequate to meet its needs at present. This will remain so when the chief executive officer's proposals, which have now been approved by the board, are implemented.