Vol. 573 No. 3
431 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage levels of bed occupancy in hospitals (details supplied) in the period between 1 September 2002 and 31 May 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24843/03]
The information requested by the Deputy on the occupancy levels at the eight hospitals mentioned is being provided separately. In-patient bed occupancy is the most widely used measure of hospital activity. The level of bed occupancy is a key factor in determining the ability of hospitals to admit patients, particularly those requiring elective admission. The percentage bed occupancy levels presented in the information being provided to the Deputy are consistent with the recorded levels in major hospitals in Ireland over recent years. The internationally accepted level of bed occupancy for acute hospitals with emergency medicine departments is 85%. This level has been established as being essential to cater for the demands imposed by around-the-clock availability of emergency services and fluctuations in demand for acute admission to hospital.
The report Acute Hospital Bed Capacity – A National Review, which I published in January 2002, examined bed occupancy levels nationally and helped to inform the Government in its decision to provide a total of 3,000 acute beds for public patients over the next ten years. This represents the largest ever concentrated expansion of acute hospital capacity in Ireland. As part of this initiative 568 new beds have already been provided in hospitals throughout the country.
432 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will investigate the treatment of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 at the Mater Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24844/03]
Responsibility for the provision of health services to residents of counties Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
