John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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391. To ask the Minister for Health the provisions being made to address the overcrowding in the emergency department at University Hospital Kerry. [30051/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Department is working with the HSE to identify the location and mix of beds across the hospital system, which can be opened and staffed this year and into 2019 in order to improve preparedness for Winter 2018/2019. A submission received from the HSE in this regard is currently under consideration by the Department as part of the broader work being completed to increase bed capacity in line with the recommendations of the Health Service Capacity Review.

In relation to University Hospital Kerry, I can confirm that as part of this process the HSE have received a proposal from the South South West Hospital Group in relation to providing additional inpatient beds in UH Kerry to alleviate overcrowding at this site.  This proposal is being assessed as part of the broader national plan to increase bed capacity and any decision on funding will be made as part of this broader process.