Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this issue today. As he will be aware, the Department of Health has undertaken a health service capacity review in line with the programme for a partnership Government commitment, the findings of which provide an evidence base for future capacity decisions. If reforms are implemented, the report concludes, as the Senator points out, that nearly 2,600 additional acute hospital beds will be required by 2031. As a first step towards implementing this recommendation, I have asked my Department to work with the Health Service Executive, HSE, to identify the location and mix of beds across the hospital system that can be opened and staffed this year and in 2019. The HSE is continuing to develop this proposal, with the aim of formulating an evidence-based plan for increasing bed capacity nationally, which will form the basis of discussions with colleagues in government on the financing of this important programme of work.

Senator Feighan has specifically asked me to speak today on proposed plans for Sligo University Hospital. I can confirm that the HSE has been working with the Saolta hospital group on the development of specific proposals for all its hospitals. Currently, this includes a proposal for a new modular build for Sligo University Hospital that would increase bed capacity at this site by up to 52 inpatient beds. The proposal in respect of Sligo University Hospital, along with all those submitted by other hospitals, is currently being assessed by the HSE in terms of its feasibility, including matters of staffing, costing, timeline and impact, with a view to bringing an overall plan to my Department for consideration and discussion with colleagues in government. Therefore, while I understand the Senator's wish to have a clear response on this matter today, I must await the outcome of the process under way.

As outlined in the capacity review, the demographic pressures being experienced by the health service are such as to demand not just additional capacity but continued emphasis on health and well-being initiatives, an improved model of care with a stronger role for enhanced community-based services and continued improvement in productivity, including in acute hospitals. The Government has approved a record level of capital investment in health at €10.9 billion over the next ten years. This will provide for a major enhancement of the capacity of our health services to meet demand. Importantly, the accelerated introduction of additional capacity for 2018 and 2019 will be matched by forthcoming reforms, including the publication of a detailed Sláintecare implementation plan and the overhaul of the current GP contract.

We all acknowledge that the challenges we face are significant and of that there is little doubt. However, it is my firm belief that all of us want to find the right solutions - patient-centred, evidence-based, results-focused and sustainable - to the challenges currently facing our health services. I know we have a long road ahead of us but 2018 will be the start of this journey of reform and strengthening of our health services.