Vol. 540 No. 1
292 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the complaints procedure which is in place within the South-Eastern Health Board area; the way in which this procedure is conveyed to the general public; if public notices are displayed in hospitals; when the notices were placed in public hospital wards; and his views on whether the information provided to the public is adequate. [20130/01]
As the Deputy is aware, the provision of patient services, including procedures for the treatment of complaints, is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant health agency concerned. I have, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the South-Eastern Health Board to look into the matters raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 293 answered with Question No. 263.
Question No. 294 answered with Question No. 262.
295 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider significantly increasing the proposed number of extra long stay public geriatric beds under the national plan in view of clear indications of shortage of affordable places and the projected increase in the dependent elderly population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20133/01]
Between 1998 and 2000, inclusive, over 400 additional beds for older people have been provided in ten new community nursing units and over 1,000 day places per week have been provided in ten new day care centres out of additional funding provided by the Government.
In addition, under the National Development Plan, 2001 to 2006, a further £188 million of capital funding has been allocated to the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority for the provision of additional new facilities for older people. Approximately 1,200 public long-stay beds will be provided in that period, as well as day care centres and units for dementia sufferers. Some 2,000 day care places per week will be provided.
It is also anticipated that the number of private nursing home places will increase over the coming years, and these will benefit older people who will be entitled to nursing home subvention.
I am aware that an increase in the population of dependent older people will continue to make additional demands on the services, but I am confident that the necessary further service development will be put in place to meet these demands.
