The Health Service Executive's Winter Plan, published today, promises around 900 more acute beds, including over 50 critical care beds.
Under the 30-page plan, approved by the Department of Health, most of the extra €600m in funding is to be provided next year - €200m will be spent this year and €400m next year.
The Winter Plan covers the period from now up to April 2021. Around 900 extra acute hospital beds are promised, including over 50 critical care or Intensive Care Unit-type beds.
It also commits to hundreds of extra lower level sub-acute or community beds, to relieve pressure on acute hospitals. It is unclear exactly how many extra medical, nursing and other health staff will be recruited to service these extra beds and what