Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:193 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will approve the provision a new ward, of 30 beds, at Tralee General Hospital, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29559/01]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
A comprehensive review of acute hospital bed capacity needs has been conducted by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and in consultation with the social partners. On foot of that review, the Government has decided in the context of the new health strategy, Quality and Fairness: A Health System for You, to provide an additional 3,000 beds in acute hospitals over the next ten years. A total of 650 of these beds will be in place by the end of 2002. A proposal from the Southern Health Board in relation to the provision of a new 30 bed ward at Tralee General Hospital is being considered in this overall context.