Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 April 2008
188 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if the number of continuing care beds will be increased to meet the demands of an aging population; the policy interventions taking place in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15300/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may wish to know that while the main emphasis will continue to be on providing supports that help older people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, additional long-stay residential places will be required in the coming years to meet the needs of an ageing population. In 2006, the HSE, in conjunction with Prospectus, undertook a Needs Assessment of bed capacity requirements in the areas of long-stay, dementia specific and respite care beds. This report was submitted to the Department of Health and Children in September 2006. While the report indicates a small national surplus of long-stay beds, it also notes that this surplus masks the uneven distribution of beds between and within regions. In particular, HSE Dublin North East and HSE South have an immediate requirement for additional beds. This shortage is being addressed by the Executive.
I would like to advise the Deputy that the public fast-track initiative provides for 860 new public beds. This process commenced in 2007 and will continue throughout 2008 and 2009. In addition to the capacity building on the public side, the Deputy may wish to be aware that during the period from 2005 to 2007 the Health Service Executive secured 1,995 private contract beds. A further 200 private contract beds have been made available in the early part of 2008.
