Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 April 2018
94. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if approval will be forthcoming for a request for additional funding of €1.8 million from Letterkenny University Hospital to enable it to open an additional 20 bed ward and staff it appropriately in order to address a chronic issue with persons waiting on trolleys for hospital admission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16351/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAgainst a background of growing demand for unscheduled care and high acute hospital occupancy rates, Government provided €30 million in 2017 and a further €40 million in 2018 for measures to increase acute hospital capacity and alleviate overcrowding in Emergency Departments. Almost 50% of this funding was used to deliver home support packages and transitional care beds to reduce the incidence of delayed discharges. Furthermore, over 200 beds have been opened this winter and more beds are due to come on stream later in the year.
Notwithstanding the increased level of resources provided, this winter has been particularly difficult for our health services with ED attendances up 3.7% and admissions up 3.3% during the first quarter of the year, as compared to the same period in 2017.
In the light of the conclusions of the Health Service Capacity Review that the system will need nearly 2,600 additional acute hospital beds by 2031, I have asked my Department to work with the HSE to identify the location and mix of beds across the hospital system which can be opened and staffed this year and into 2019 in order to improve preparedness for Winter 2018/2019.
I understand that Saolta Hospital Group has submitted proposals to the HSE in relation to opening additional capacity at Letterkenny University Hospital in the context of this initiative and that the HSE is currently assessing these proposals.
As this is a service matter, I have also referred this PQ for a direct reply to the Deputy.
