Gay Mitchell
Ceist:632 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the contents of a letter (details supplied) sent to him on 2 January 2002. [2168/02]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
There are a number of issues raised in the letter referred to by the Deputy. In the first instance the organisation and provision of services at University College Hospital Galway is the responsibility of the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position as outlined in the letter and reply to the Deputy directly. The other two issues raised in the letter are being addressed in the context of the implementation of the Government's health strategy, Quality and Fairness.
My Department has recently published a major review of acute hospital bed capacity in Ireland. The report reviews changes in acute hospital capacity and activity over the period 1980 to 2000. It provides an estimate of the number of additional beds required to eliminate current gaps in capacity, examines the factors that are likely to increase the need for additional beds and it provides an assessment of the additional capacity required up to 2011. I am providing funding of 65 million in the current year for the commissioning of an additional 709 beds in public hospitals. This is the first phase of the provision of additional capacity in the public hospital service and represents the largest ever expansion of bed capacity in this country.
There is a commitment in the strategy to continue the enhancement of diagnostic facilities in acute hospitals. Diagnostic services such as radiology and laboratory will have extended service hours, to maximise the use of the facilities and provide services as soon as possible to patients. The details of this initiative will need to be discussed with the unions and staff in the context of partnership and industrial relations structures.
Liam Aylward
Ceist:633 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if an appointment for surgery can be expedited. [2169/02]
Responsibility for the provision of hospital services for people living in County Kilkenny is the responsibility of the South-Eastern Health Board. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer at the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply to him directly.
Question No. 634 answered with Question No. 525.