asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the people who come within the ambit of the Health Act are placed, through ignorance of their rights, in private or semi-private hospital accommodation which they do not desire, and find themselves faced with unforeseen liabilities for hospital and specialists' fees, and, if so, if he will state what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Treatment of Health Act Patients.
I am aware that a certain number of persons have become liable for unforeseen expenses in the circumstances mentioned in the question, but I have no reason to believe that the number involved is substantial.
The benefits available under the Health Acts to eligible persons who enter private or semi-private accommodation in a hospital are limited to a daily subvention of 8/-, together with contributions towards the cost of certain drugs and appliances. Any further charges by the hospital and any medical fees are the liability of the patient. These provisions have been explained in communications from my Department to local authorities, hospital authorities and other interested parties and considerable publicity has been given to the provisions of the Health Acts by means of statements in the Press and explanatory leaflets on the subject issued by health authorities.
In their own interests, people should, before accepting private or semi-private accommodation, make inquiries as to their liability for additional charges, and I do not see what further action I could usefully take in the matter.