Vol. 507 No. 2
128 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hospital beds available for use in Mallow General Hospital; if the hospital is operating to full capacity with regard to bed units; if not, the number of beds currently out of service; the plans, if any, he has to re-open extra beds at this hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16324/99]
Mallow General Hospital currently has a bed complement of 75 consisting of 38 surgical, 28 medical including four ENT, four ICU, and five day beds. My Department has approved proposals submitted by the Southern Health Board for the provision of additional medical beds by the re-opening of the 13 bedded medical ward at the hospital. Funding of £265,000 has been provided to meet costs arising in 1999. Plans have been drawn up for the refurbishment of the ward and arrangements are also being put in place to recruit the necessary staff.
