Vol. 557 No. 6
190 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if no further hospital wards are likely to be closed in 2003; if the full range of health services through the hospitals will continue to be made available to the general public without restriction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23176/02]
191 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which all hospitals are in a position to accept various categories of patients without restriction on an ongoing basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23177/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 191 together.
The pre-budget Estimates announced last week showed an increase of €694 million in health spending. This represents a total spend in 2003 of €8.9 billion, including capital spending. This is a significant level of funding approved by Government and when combined with the base funding available provides a solid funding platform for the delivery of services.
This funding level will allow for the completion of the additional 709 beds in acute hospitals. In addition to the €43 million for the waiting list initiative, the Estimates have also provided €31 million for the treatment purchase fund. This will ensure that more than 7,000 people on waiting lists will be treated in 2003. A sum of €29 million for cancer services will ensure that we can continue to address increasing demands for these services next year. Capital funding of €514 million is being provided to further improve the health infrastructure and will be directed at 15 major projects countrywide.
Hospitals accept patients through their accident and emergency departments. The admission of elective patients is dependant on bed availability and the throughput of the A&E departments.
It is a feature of all acute hospital systems that some beds are out of use for short periods. Bed closures may result from ward refurbishment, essential ward maintenance, staff shortages and as a consequence of infection control measures.
One of the guiding principles behind the health strategy is to ensure equitable access to services based on need. My Department is committed to the reform of acute hospitals in order to improve access for public patients. These reforms include increasing bed capacity by 3,000 over the period to 2011, of which 272 have already been introduced to date and in excess of 600 beds will be in place by the end of the year. All of these extra beds will be designated for public patients.
Question No. 192 answered with Question No. 76.
