Menu
30/03/2004
Fewer beds in Northern Ireland hospitals
Northern Ireland’s hospitals now have 704 fewer beds than six years ago.
This is according to DHSSPS figures published in response to a House of Commons question tabled by David Lidington MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the report, RCN Northern Ireland Director Martin Bradley said: “The fact that there are 700 fewer beds available to in-patients in Northern Ireland now than there were in 1997 is accompanied by the fact that there are also fewer nurses.
"The results of last year's RCN report More Nurses, Working Differently revealed that, since 1990, England has had a 15% increase in nursing staff and Scotland has a 5% increase while in Northern Ireland the number of nursing staff has actually fallen by 6%."
In addition, the number of patients being treated, including the number being treated on a day case basis, has risen. Between 1997 and 2002 there was a 10% rise in in-patients and a 33% rise in day cases.
"This has put great pressure on the health services here," Mr Bradley added. "The health care system is moving faster and faster to keep up with demand. The decline in beds, while not the only issue, is a contributing factor to the trolley-waits we have seen in accident and emergency departments across Northern Ireland.
"This is a worrying trend because, in order to commission more in-patient capacity, we need to continue to find ways of increasing the number of nurses. At the moment it is evident that the system is having great difficulty keeping pace with this demand.”
Over the past two decades, the number of hospital beds in Northern Ireland has decreased by more than 40%.
(MB)
This is according to DHSSPS figures published in response to a House of Commons question tabled by David Lidington MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the report, RCN Northern Ireland Director Martin Bradley said: “The fact that there are 700 fewer beds available to in-patients in Northern Ireland now than there were in 1997 is accompanied by the fact that there are also fewer nurses.
"The results of last year's RCN report More Nurses, Working Differently revealed that, since 1990, England has had a 15% increase in nursing staff and Scotland has a 5% increase while in Northern Ireland the number of nursing staff has actually fallen by 6%."
In addition, the number of patients being treated, including the number being treated on a day case basis, has risen. Between 1997 and 2002 there was a 10% rise in in-patients and a 33% rise in day cases.
"This has put great pressure on the health services here," Mr Bradley added. "The health care system is moving faster and faster to keep up with demand. The decline in beds, while not the only issue, is a contributing factor to the trolley-waits we have seen in accident and emergency departments across Northern Ireland.
"This is a worrying trend because, in order to commission more in-patient capacity, we need to continue to find ways of increasing the number of nurses. At the moment it is evident that the system is having great difficulty keeping pace with this demand.”
Over the past two decades, the number of hospital beds in Northern Ireland has decreased by more than 40%.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
03 January 2002
Number killed on Northern Ireland roads drops in 2001
Figures just released show that 147 people were killed on the roads of Northern Ireland in 2001. The figures, which show a slight drop on last year, have been welcomed by the Environment Minister Sam Foster. He said: “Last year 147 people were killed on the roads of Northern Ireland.
Number killed on Northern Ireland roads drops in 2001
Figures just released show that 147 people were killed on the roads of Northern Ireland in 2001. The figures, which show a slight drop on last year, have been welcomed by the Environment Minister Sam Foster. He said: “Last year 147 people were killed on the roads of Northern Ireland.
13 June 2005
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
27 July 2017
Record Number Of Belfast Parks Win Green Flag Award
A record number of parks in Belfast have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award this year, it has been announced. The Green Flag Award is an internationally recognised certification for environmental quality management of parks and open, green spaces.
Record Number Of Belfast Parks Win Green Flag Award
A record number of parks in Belfast have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award this year, it has been announced. The Green Flag Award is an internationally recognised certification for environmental quality management of parks and open, green spaces.
02 November 2022
Julian Simmons Launches Lidl's Festive Trolley Dash
Lidl Northern Ireland has teamed up with renowned broadcaster Julian Simmons for the return of its major festive fundraiser Trolley Dash, in aid of charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland.
Julian Simmons Launches Lidl's Festive Trolley Dash
Lidl Northern Ireland has teamed up with renowned broadcaster Julian Simmons for the return of its major festive fundraiser Trolley Dash, in aid of charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
