Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will re-open the 4 beds in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, in order that persons suffering from life threatening epilepsy may undergo immediate treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3510/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Throughout 2013 hospitals will open and close beds on various wards in order to deliver the planned level of activity. Beds may be closed at times during the year for a number of reasons, including cost containment, infection control and refurbishment. The decision to open and close beds is made at hospital management level and approved by the Regional Director of Operations

In the current economic climate the acute sector must reduce its costs in order to deliver the agreed level of activity within the resources available to it. The emphasis in 2013 will continue to be to make the most effective use of all acute bed capacity through shorter lengths of stay, increased rates of day-of-surgery admission and more day surgery so that the acute hospital system can ensure that, within the level of resources available, it provides safe, effective and efficient care to the maximum number of patients.

In relation to your query regarding the re-opening of beds in Beaumont Hospital to facilitate treatment for patients suffering from epilepsy, I have arranged for your question to be forwarded to the HSE who will respond to you directly in this regard.