Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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1168. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of additional inpatient modular hotel type beds for South Tipperary General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27150/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There are capacity challenges at South Tipperary General Hospital (STGH) but work is currently underway to address the issue. Recognising that bed utilisation has increased significantly in the hospital in recent times, the South/South West Hospital Group is conducting a capacity review of the hospital and this is nearing completion. This review will inform the precise level and nature of any additional capacity required to meet current and future needs. The Department's National Capacity Review will also help identify service requirements and inform resourcing priorities. The Deputy may also wish to note that the Hospital Group intends to procure a Master Plan for the STGH campus which will provide for the orderly development of the campus and ensure that it is not compromised in any way.

One of the options currently under consideration is to provide additional surge capacity at the hospital through a temporary in-patient solution at the site. Any such solution would have to be in accordance with the new “National Framework for Alternative Accommodation at Hospital Sites”. While no decisions have been made by the HSE in relation to the provision of temporary alternative accommodation in specific locations to date, any such decisions will be based on submissions made by hospitals and hospital groups as part of their budgetary processes, and will be in line with the procurement process set out in this National Framework. Consideration of the needs of STGH will therefore be further considered by the HSE in the context of the 2018 Estimates submission.

In terms of providing additional support in the interim, and to alleviate pressure on the ED, the HSE has identified that the most immediate and effective response available is through the “fit out” of additional space for 11 trolley bays on the first floor of the hospital. Accordingly, this was prioritised for funding and has been completed recently. A recruitment process is underway for the additional staff required to operate the new area. It is anticipated that the additional space will open in September.

I should also add that the HSE is exploring what additional supports Our Lady's Hospital, Cashel could provide to alleviate pressure in STGH, including in the ED.