John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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129. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the provision of 37 additional beds required at UHK for winter 2018 as recommended in the bed capacity review 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38048/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department has engaged with the HSE this year 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 my Department, which includes specific proposals in relation to University Hospital Kerry. Furthermore, the funding of this proposal, which is time-critical, is being advanced as part of the 2019 estimates process.

Preparations and planning for winter 2018/19 have already begun at hospital group and local level. My Department is working with the HSE to ensure that these local and regional plans are consolidated and supported through a plan at national level to ensure the most effective response to the winter challenges to unscheduled care provision.