asked the Minister for Health why a person (name supplied) in County Kerry has been waiting six months for admission to the Richmond Hospital.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Admission to Dublin Hospital.
22.
I understand that the reason for the delay in this case was that the application for the patient's admission made by the Kerry County Council to St. Laurence's Hospital apparently went astray.
I have learned that arrangements have now been made to have the patient in question examined at the hospital on 20th May, 1970, to determine what course her future treatment should take.
Does the Minister not agree that this is really a shame because, when I put down a question to him some time ago, he told me the average waiting time was two months? This has gone on for six months. Will the Minister take steps to ensure that this will not happen again? This is a poor person.
I agree there should not have been a slip up. I cannot look after every slip up in the country.
Would the Minister not agree that in view of the fact that this hospital is the specialist neuro-surgical hospital for the country there are not sufficient neuro-surgical beds available in it and that there is an unfair waiting list for patients?
We are examining the neurological position. I gave a reply to the House indicating that serious cases are taken in due time.