asked the Minister for Health if he aware that a T.B. patient in Newcastle Sanatorium who has been on the register since 1942 has received no acknowledgment of repeated applications to County Wicklow health authority for a supply of clothes and that the patient's only means of support is his mother who is in receipt of an old age pension; if he will ascertain why no reply was sent to the patient and the cause of the delay in supplying outfits to necessitous patients; and if he will state to whom patients in County Wicklow entitled to clothes should make application.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clothing for Wicklow T.B. Patient.
2.
From enquiries I have made, it does not appear correct to suggest that the patient referred to in the Deputy's question was left without a reply to his application for clothing.
I am informed that it is the usual practice in the offices of the Wicklow Health Authority to acknowledge the receipt of applications for commodities under the Domiciliary Welfare Scheme, except perhaps where the public Health Nurse is due to visit the patient in the near future.
The patient concerned was provided in May, 1960 with a pullover, pair of pyjamas, pair of shoes and underwear.
On the occasion of the Nurse's visit to the Sanatorium in April of this year, the patient referred to an application which he stated he had made earlier for a suit of clothes. There is no record of the receipt of this application, but in April a measurement form was sent to him for completion and return to the health authority. The patient's mother later wrote to the health authority asking if a suit could be supplied directly by the suppliers. She was informed by letter dated 30th June last that it would be necessary for the patient to complete the measurement form. So far, it has not been received. When this form is furnished, the health authority will forthwith arrange for supplying him with the suit.
I am also informed that in County Wicklow there is no undue delay in supplying necessary outfits to necessitous patients. It will be appreciated, however, that in many cases enquiries have to be made as to whether the applicant is entitled to the clothing and as to whether there is need for them at the time of application, particularly if the patient has had a previous supply.
Applications of necessitous tuberculosis patients for clothing should be sent to the Chief Medical Officer, Rathdrum.
Is the Minister aware that for two years at each meeting of the county council we were raising complaints from some of the patients at Newcastle Sanatorium? The Minister points out that application should be made to the Health Authority. What is the use of applying, if no reply is given to these poor patients? As a result of a letter I read to the manager saying I would have to bring the matter reluctantly to the notice of the Minister and on the question being put down, a nurse was sent out.
The Deputy is making a speech and a long one at that.
I received a number of other leters from men who spent over 14 months in the sanatorium. What action are Members to take if the assistant county medical officer is starting a new political organisation to exterminate politically any man who criticises him in the county council? It would be better for him to look after the patients. The Minister gave very solemn advice to an official to stick to his last. I hope the Minister will give this politically-minded gentleman the same advice.