Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for attending. Like many hospitals throughout the country, Sligo University Hospital faces many ongoing challenges, including cost pressures, recruitment issues, inpatient and day-case waiting lists, OPD waiting times and increased trolley pressures. Among the biggest challenges is that relating to bed capacity and Sligo University Hospital is no different from many other hospitals in seeking additional beds. Unfortunately, Sligo University Hospital’s capacity has reduced by 13% over the past ten years . Put simply, it needs more beds. The situation has been aggravated by the hospital losing 42 inpatient beds since 2004 and the increase in trolley pressures has presented a clear-cut case for additional bed capacity. This capacity challenge is set to become greater because Ireland has an ageing population. In that context, it is estimated that there will be a 40% increase in the number of people aged 65 and over in the next ten years.

We are all aware of the huge pressures on bed capacity in our hospitals, especially during winter months. Last January was no different, with emergency departments such as that in Sligo under enormous strain due to high demand and the increased incidence of flu mainly affecting older people. Many Senators will be aware that the recent health service capacity review identified the need for 2,600 additional acute hospital beds over the next ten years. I understand that 600 will become available nationally in the coming year. The Government is fully committed to the provision of these extra acute hospital beds under the Project Ireland 2040 framework unveiled in Sligo last February.

I also take this opportunity to appeal directly to Minister for Health to ensure that Sligo University Hospital gets its fair share of these additional beds. I hope that some of these beds - with the associated staffing - can come on stream prior to next winter. Extra beds for Sligo will also certainly help smooth the transition to the new surgical and emergency department block being developed at the hospital. Many other excellent projects being planned at the hospital, such as the development of a cardiac catheterisation laboratory service, a radiology suite, a diabetes day unit and a central sterile services department, CSSD, upgrade.I commend the hospital on its ongoing efforts to advance these projects but increased bed capacity continues to be a key priority. There is no question but that those 2,600 hospital beds recommended in the Government's bed capacity review will make a major difference to hospitals nationwide, including in Sligo. I understand that approximately 200 beds opened last winter across some of our hospitals, and more are due to come on stream later in the year. I attended a meeting in Sligo over two weeks ago when the management team briefed local politicians on all the various matters affecting them. Sligo must be a beneficiary when it comes to the next phase in the allocation of extra beds. I look forward to the Minister of State making a provision for these beds in order that vital additional capacity can be provided for the hospital.