Vol. 484 No. 3
244 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds which were shut down in the Mater, Meath, Beaumont, St James's and St. Vincent's Elm Park hospitals in 1997; when they were shut down and the length of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22261/97]
As the Deputy is aware, hospital bed management is a matter for each hospital. I have asked the hospitals mentioned to reply directly to the Deputy.
Bed closures are usually planned to coincide with periods when staff are on annual leave and to take advantage of a fall-off in demand during the holidays. Such periods provide an opportunity to refurbish wards or carry out minor capital improvements.
