Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 30: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the widespread concern at the closure of wards in various hospitals around the country; the impact this will have on waiting times for elective procedures and accident and emergency departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20468/09]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 52: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she has been given an estimate of the number of beds that will be closed to patients in acute hospitals around the country in July and August 2009; if she has been given an estimate of the way this will affect waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20487/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 52 together.

Seasonal bed closures are a normal feature of the hospital system, as a means of maximising efficiency when demand is lower - for example, during holiday periods - and to facilitate periodic refurbishment or decorating work. Beds may also be closed from time to time in order to control expenditure, given the need for every hospital to operate within its allotted budget for the year. Notwithstanding any bed closures which may occur, the HSE is committed to achieving the volume and quality of throughput in hospitals provided for in its 2009 National Service Plan, which I approved in December 2008. The National Service Plan commits to an increase in the proportion of patients treated on a day basis and this is one of a number of measures which will enable more efficient use to be made of the available bed stock.

The HSE has not yet determined the exact arrangements for bed closures during the months of July and August.