'Health service needs equivalent of six extra large hospitals'

Medical consultants say the health service needs the equivalent of six extra large hospitals.

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association says hundreds more acute beds are needed to bring the service to an "internationally acceptable" level.

The IHCA is holding its annual conference in Kilkenny today.

Association President, Dr Tom Ryan claims hospital overcrowding has an impact on patient safety:" Internationally hospitals would operate at 80% capacity, and this is done in the interests of public safety and in the interests of cost effectiveness.

"Irish hospitals operate at about 95% occupancy and this has obvious implications on patient safety, it is difficult to control infections."