Mr. Liam Woods:

They are close but there are differences. The trolley watch data count beds up the house, while the HSE data typically does not, though in some instances it does. The trolley watch data also count beds whose purpose has been changed, though it is still an actual bed. We have spoken with the INMO about this. We used to reconcile them with the INMO to provide the information to the public. The effect on flu and planning electives this year was significant, with 4,800 admissions relating to flu where there had only been 1,500 in the previous year. We know, as everybody does, that the flu comes annually but the scale of the impact was high and it was a mixed strain, which brought its own complexity.

We can count all the electives as we see all the cases performed through the patient administration systems and the HIPE records which we have. I was asked about cancelling. Many hospitals do not book in January or February but their systems track what is done and what is cancelled. Senator Swanick asked about the unacceptable waiting times in Waterford, where the patient to whom he referred had a 65-month referral. I am seeking clarification on this and will provide it to the Senator when I get it.

There was also a question about CAMHS access, which we discussed earlier. The Deputy made a proposal relating to a 24-hour access number for GPs and I will refer the query to our mental health services. There was a query about community and district hospitals, which Mr. Gloster addressed, and the GP contract. Another question was on the modular unit in Mayo and Deputy Kelly had a further query about the history of that. There were proposals in Mayo and a theatre proposal in Galway, which involves replacing an orthopaedic theatre and which is proceeding. Clonmel is the first example of additional capacity proposed for this tranche of modular builds but there are others on the table, which are the subject of deliberations with Government. As for the decision-making process, the creation of the idea is local, having come from the local hospital group in Clonmel. The decision-making process is subject to funding but this has been resolved in the case of Clonmel. It involves the HSE leadership team and directorate on expenditure over certain limits. Our estates function is involved in the practical progression of the development.