Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 February 2016
355. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health if hospital acute bed capacity here is sufficient, and if the norm for hospital bed occupancy should be 85% capacity, as is the case in other countries; the acute bed capacity as of 1 January 2016; the number of additional beds that is required in order that bed capacity here has a norm of 85% occupancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4183/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of acute beds available can fluctuate greatly over time for various reasons that include refurbishment, maintenance work and infection control. Last year additional funding of €18 million was provided to support acute hospitals over the winter period by providing additional bed capacity and other initiatives to improve access to care. As a result of this an additional 301 beds were commissioned across various locations and to date 202 of these beds have been opened. Taking into account these beds recently opened, there are 10,705 acute beds available in January 2016.
The HSE advised that the overall national total bed occupancy to the end of December 2015 is 89.8%, which is above the norm of 85%, although there is variation between hospitals and over time.
While the number of resourced beds is clearly an important factor, the understanding and focus has shifted from an over-reliance on in-patient acute beds to a more comprehensive range of care options as are found in advanced health systems. The aim is to ensure the patient or service user has his or her needs met in the most effective way possible with the majority of care provided through community-based facilities, supported by appropriate technology and specialist expertise.
The HSE is continually developing and improving day services and developments which facilitate hospital admission avoidance that include:
- Increased provision of Community Intervention Teams delivering services outside of hospitals;
- Increased day surgery rates;
- Medical Assessment Units and Acute Medical Assessment Units opened at all major hospitals;
- Intravenous administration of antibiotics whether organised at outpatients departments, in the community or at home, which can deliver bed-day and cost savings and reduce risk of healthcare associated infections; and
- Better use of technology to support patients and primary care professionals in managing illnesses and accessing specialist opinion and support.
