Vol. 533 No. 6
273 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the provisions being made to increase the number of public beds in our hospitals and to increase the ratio of public as opposed to private beds in our hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10010/01]
A national review of bed capacity in the acute and non-acute settings was initiated on foot of a commitment by Government in the programme for prosperity and fairness. This review involves the development of a long-term investment strategy for the acute and non-acute sectors and will include a detailed assessment of future bed requirements in response to increasing demand and changing demographics. The review is at an advanced stage and will be completed shortly. In addition, I would also like to point out to the Deputy that under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, this Government is committed to investing £1 billion for the development of acute hospital services including new facilities, re-equipping and additional capacity.
Private and semi-private beds have in recent years accounted for about 20% of total bed stock in the public hospital system. The public private mix in public hospitals is subject to a bed designation system whereby my Department's approval must be obtained by public hospitals to any increase in the designation of beds as private beds.
