Written answers
Thursday, 19 April 2018
Department of Health
Health Services Reports
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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65. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the finding of the health service capacity review that some 13,000 extra residential care beds are needed; the action being taken to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17087/18]
Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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The recent publication of the Capacity Review report stated that if key reforms and productivity measures are implemented, the following additional capacity will be required by 2031 to meet the healthcare demands of our growing and ageing population:
- 13,000 extra residential care beds (older persons services)
- 120% increase in homecare
- 48% increase in Primary Care workforce, and
- nearly 2,600 extra acute hospital beds
The Review is clear that investment and reform across the health system, not just in acute hospitals but also in primary and social care, must happen in tandem and must be mutually supportive of each other.
The Government is committed to investing in new capacity and making tangible reforms to our model of healthcare delivery as outlined in this report. Its findings were considered in the context of the recently published National Development Plan which shows very significant increases in capital funding.
In that context, I am pleased to say that the National Development Plan provides capital funding over the next ten years for additional capacity requirements including 4,500 additional short-term and long-term beds across the public system in Community Nursing Units and other step-down facilities, as identified by the Health Service Capacity Review.
Appraisal and planning across all Community Healthcare Organisations in line with health strategies and demographic needs will inform the selection of projects for delivery of these new beds and additional capacity.
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