Vol. 424 No. 5
113 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the number of admissions to general hospitals in 1991 due to motor accidents; the approximate cost to the State; the amount, if any, which is recouped from insurance companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The estimated number of persons treated in general hospitals due to road traffic accidents in 1991 was about 7,800. It is not possible, without conducting a special survey, to estimate the total cost of the treatment provided in respect of those admissions, as the treatment and costs involved varies widely from patient to patient. In 1991, the total amount received by health agencies for road traffic accident cases was £3.728 million. Hospitals do not receive recoupment of costs from insurance companies; these costs are recovered from patients who have already received compensation.
The amounts received by the hospitals for treating road traffic accident cases do not in all cases reflect fully the total costs of treatment. My Department is discussing with representatives of the insurance industry ways and means to improve the payments procedure so that all moneys recouped by insurance companies in respect of hospital costs are paid to the hospitals. The future range and level of charges to be made by hospitals are also being discussed.
114 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the total number of admissions to psychiatric hospitals for 1991; the approximate cost per patient of acute and short stay care; the approximate cost per patient of long stay care; if he will compare these figures with international standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The total number of admissions to public psychiatric hospitals and units in 1990 was 23,570. The total number of admissions in 1991 is not yet available.
The approximate costs per psychiatric patient of acute and short stay care and long stay care are as follows: Acute and short stay hospital care, £75.00 per day; Long stay hospital care, £30-£50 per day.
A direct comparison of these costs with international standards is not available.
