Richard Bruton
Ceist:16 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the projected decline in hospital admissions in 1991 compared to 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Hospital Admissions.
Joseph Doyle
Ceist:107 Mr. Doyle asked the Minister for Health the estimated reduction in patients admitted to hospital during 1991 compared to 1990; and the impact this will have on average waiting time for elective surgery.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 107 together.
The level of hospital admissions depends on many factors including the incidence of illness and also clinical decisions as to whether out-patient, day care or in-patient treatment is most appropriate in individual cases. I cannot therefore predict in advance whether the exact number of admissions in 1991 will be greater, the same or less than the number in 1990.
However, I want to refute the implication in these questions that there will be a deterioration in the hospital services in 1991. As I told the House during the debate on the Private Members' Motion on 26 February, the Government have given two clear commitments regarding the level of services: firstly, the Government set the approved number of acute hospital beds at 12,000 in 1990. Apart from the normal seasonal closures, this level of bed availability will be maintained during 1991; and secondly, all services will be maintained at not less than the levels approved for 1990.
The Government will fully honour these commitments and the very high standard of our public hospital services will be maintained throughout the year.