John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 66: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made to date in dealing with the accident and emergency crisis; the number of new beds which have been introduced to the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15365/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Additional revenue funding of €70 million and additional capital funding of €10 million has been provided to support the actions identified to improve the delivery of accident and emergency services. The Health Service Executive, HSE, has been charged with responsibility to implement the actions identified in the ten point plan for accident and emergency services. There are also additional actions that are needed which relate more to the management, work practices and processes in hospitals. These too will be addressed by the Health Service Executive.

The HSE has reported that a total of 90 intermediate care beds have been procured in the private sector nationally. Some 64 patients from hospitals in the eastern region and 23 patients in the Cork region have already been discharged as a result of these intermediate care beds being available. Additional home care packages have been provided for 51 patients who have been discharged from acute hospitals in the eastern region. Discharge arrangements are being finalised for a further 45 patients.

On foot of the commitment in the health strategy, funding has been provided to open an additional 900 inpatient beds and day places in acute hospitals. Health agencies have informed my Department that at 6 May 2005, 780 beds were in place. The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that the remaining 120 beds will come on-stream during 2005.