Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 360: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of public hospital beds available in each of the years 1989, 1999, 2009 and to date in 2011; the number of private hospital beds available in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13666/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The national average number of acute hospital beds available in public hospitals for the years 1999 and 2009 broken down by public, private and non-designated is set out in the following table as requested by the Deputy. 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 comprises in-patient beds and day places and includes acute psychiatric beds.

It is not possible to provide equivalent data for 1989. However data on the total national acute bed complement for 1989 is included in the table. As the methodology used to calculate acute bed complement data is different to that used for the calculation of average available beds the 1989 data is not directly comparable and needs to be viewed with this caveat in mind.

The latest year in respect of which validated national data on average available acute hospital beds has been compiled by the HSE is 2009. 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 other data. The HSE is currently in the process of validating the full year national average available acute bed data for 2010.

The emphasis for the HSE in 2011 continues 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.

^ Data is in respect of acute bed complement

Finally while the number of acute beds in private hospitals at any time is not collected or verified by my Department or by the HSE, I understand that in 2009 there were approximately 2,300 in-patient beds and 450 day beds in private hospitals which are members of the Irish Business and Employers' Confederation.