Vol. 474 No. 1
73 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the total number of hospital beds which were closed down for any given period in 1996; if he will give a breakdown of any such beds; the financial implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2459/97]
Limerick East): As the Deputy will be aware, seasonal closures of hospital beds are usually planned to coincide with a period when staff are on annual leave and to take advantage of a fall-off in elective procedures during the holidays. In addition, this period is often used as an opportunity to refurbish wards or to carry out minor capital improvements. Decisions on the extent and timing of such closures are, in my view, best left to local management. However, all emergency and urgent services continue to be provided during this period.
