asked the Minister for Health whether old age pensioners are entitled to free hospitalisation in hospitals under the control of local health authorities, or in extern hospitals with which local authorities have made the necessary arrangements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Treatment for Old Age Pensioners.
In my opinion every person who is in receipt of an old age pension should be regarded as entitled to free hospital treatment under the Health Act, 1953, except when the patient exercises a deliberate choice of hospital or of accommodation under Section 25 of the Act, in which event the Act specifically provides that where the patient enters an extern hospital the health authority shall pay the approved charge less 6/- a day, or where the patient is accommodated in private or semi-private accommodation in a health authority institution, the patient shall pay the charge specified in sub-section (7) of that section.
Apart from Section 25 mentioned, the decision, however, as to whether a charge shall be made rests with the health authority and not with me. I propose to discuss this matter with health authorities in the course of my visits to them between now and the end of July.