Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Jul 1997

Vol. 480 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

169 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health the number of beds in children's hospitals in the Dublin area; the changes, if any, planned in this area; if he will make a statement on the perceived shortage of beds in Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin 12, particularly for those suffering with cystic fibrosis. [13488/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Cowen)

The number of acute beds in children's hospitals in the Dublin area is set out as follows. At the present time there are no planned changes to those numbers.

Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin	258
The Children's Hospital, Temple Street	136
The National Children's Hospital, Harcourt Street	71
Total	465

Given the nature of the disease, cystic fibrosis patients cannot be placed in a regular ward accommodation due to the risk of infection. Our Lady's Hospital has informed me that delays can sometimes occur while they locate a suitable bed for such patients. However, I understand that the hospital has not experienced a problem to date with the provision of suitable accommodation for CF patients.