Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 138: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she proposes to take to eliminate the use of hospital trolleys in lieu of beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8767/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Trolleys are used throughout acute hospitals, for example in emergency departments and day wards. Hospital trolleys are not used in lieu of inpatient beds. Trolleys can be used in the course of treatment to transport patients for diagnostic tests or medical and surgical procedures. They can also be used to allow patients to rest or recover in the course of treatment in emergency departments and day wards. They are essential to the operation of acute hospitals.