Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for Health the number of public hospital beds that were in place in 2007 and the number now available in November 2011; the number of private hospital beds in place in 2007 and the number now available; if he is satisfied that sufficient beds are now available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38192/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The national average number of acute hospital beds available in public hospitals for the years 2007 and 2010 broken down by public, private and non-designated is set out in the table below. 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. 2010 is the latest year in respect of which national validated acute bed data is available.

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.