Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1049. To ask the Minister for Health when full bed capacity will be restored at a hospital (details supplied), in view of the critical importance of this facility for persons throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36266/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) provides specialist rehabilitation services (inpatient, outpatient and day-patient services) to patients with complex needs, who have acquired a physical or cognitive disability as a result of an accident, illness or injury and require specialist medical rehabilitation services. The Government recognises the excellent rehabilitation programme which the National Rehabilitation Hospital delivers and the Hospital's excellent patient outcomes.

The complexity and acuity of patients referred to the NRH for rehabilitation programmes has increased in recent years, resulting in greater challenges for the hospital. I understand that in response to this, the NRH reduced its existing bed capacity to enable the hospital to provide a safe and appropriate level of care from within existing resources.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for a detailed direct response to the Deputy.