Hugh Byrne
Ceist:105 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, there are to close surgical wards in hospitals in the South-Eastern Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13394/96]
Written Answers. - Closure of Surgical Wards.
Limerick East): I understand from the South-Eastern Health Board it has decided to institute summer ward closures in the general hospitals for a four week period during July and August of 1996. The closures will mainly affect elective procedures in surgery and gynaecology.
Summer bed closures are designed to coincide with consultant and other staff leave and it is a common occurrence that there is a fall off in elective procedures during the holiday period. The board is satisfied that the proposed measures can be implemented without affecting the overall acute hospital activity projected for 1996. Emergency services will not be affected by those measures.