Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 142: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of public hospital beds that were in place in 1997 and the number now available in December 2010; the number of private hospital beds in place in 1997 and the number now available; if she is satisfied that sufficient beds are now available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47687/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The national average number of acute hospital beds available in public hospitals for the year 1997 broken down by public, private and non-designated is set out in the following table. 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. This data comprehends inpatient beds and day places.

The latest year in respect of which validated national data on average available acute hospital beds has been compiled by the HSE is 2008. However, the HSE has furnished data on public, private and non-designated acute hospital beds available in public hospitals in respect of June 2010. This data, broken down by public, private and non-designated is also contained in the table. While these figures do not represent full-year validated data they provide a useful benchmark for comparison with the 1997 data.

The emphasis for the HSE in 2011 will continue to be to make the most effective use of acute bed capacity through shorter length of stay, increased rates of day-of-surgery admission and more day surgery. In this way the acute hospital system can ensure that, within the level of resources available, it facilitates the maximum number of patients with safe, effective and efficient care.

* Data is in respect of June 2010 only.