Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the bed capacity of each of the hospitals in Ireland; the number of delayed discharges in each hospital; the reason for the majority of delayed discharges; if there are plans to provide more hospital space or step down accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21018/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The average number of acute hospital beds available in public hospitals for 2007 is set out in the attached tabular statement. Acute bed numbers in public hospitals are counted as an average of beds available over each year, given that the number of beds available in each hospital can vary over any year for operational reasons. 2007 is the latest year in respect of which validated data has been compiled by the HSE. The data includes both in-patient beds and day places.

The process of validating comparable data for 2008 has not been finalised by the HSE, due to industrial action. It is therefore not possible for the information to be furnished at this time.

HOSPITAL IN-PATIENT STATISTICS. Available Beds including Day Places from January 2007 to December 2007 for each Public Acute Hospital

Source: HSE

Please note that the figures above are subject to rounding

There have been a number of capital developments in recent years which have involved the provision of new acute beds in the acute hospital system. In some instances these have replaced existing facilities which were no longer appropriate for modern purposes. Consultation on the Health Service Executive's draft Capital Plan which sets out the Executive's capital investment proposals over the period 2010-2014 is ongoing between my Department, the HSE and the Department of Finance. Details of the developments included in the plan will be published by the HSE following its approval.

The HSE has taken a series of steps across the health system to shift the balance of care from acute hospitals to community based alternatives and to improve the way in which hospitals operate. These steps include the development of more enhanced community based services, Primary Care Teams, Community Intervention Teams, Rapid Access Clinics, Home Helps Home Care Packages as well as shortening lengths of stay and increasing day activity in Acute Hospitals.

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the detailed information on delayed discharges.

Question Nos. 127 and 128 answered with Question No. 101.