Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1762. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the progress on reopening the short stay ward in Letterkenny University Hospital in autumn 2018 with 19 additional beds; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34736/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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 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 and alleviate hospital congestion.
As part of this process, I can confirm that the HSE has submitted a 2018 capacity proposal to my Department, as part of a broader three year unscheduled care capacity plan, to increase capacity nationally which includes a proposal from Saolta Hospital Group in relation to opening the short stay ward in Letterkenny Hospital.
My Department is currently assessing the HSE proposal and any decisions in relation to individual proposals at hospital level will be made as part of the broader capacity plan.
