Vol. 258 No. 3
asked the Minister for Health what action, if any, he proposes to take regarding allegations of negligence in relation to the issue of a prescription dated 24th September, 1971, to an out-patient (name supplied) at a Dublin hospital (name supplied).
2.
asked the Minister for Health what steps he will take to ensure that the name on a prescription is the same as that on the medical card when a prescription is presented for filling at a health board dispensary.
3.
asked the Minister for Health if he will authorise an immedate inquiry into allegations that a medical card holder (name supplied) was given a drugs prescription dated 24th September, 1971, made out for a different man when he was examined at the out patients' department of a Dublin hospital (name supplied).
With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1, 2 and 3 together.
I understand that the matter has been taken up on behalf of the relatives with the voluntary hospital concerned and the Eastern Health Board and that each of these bodies are making inquiries at present. Until the matter has been investigated by these bodies I am not in a position to state what further action, if any, may be required.
Would the Minister not agree to send a general circular to all hospitals asking them to tighten up many of their procedures in out-patient departments, et cetera? This would be a firm initiative from the Minister and would show that he is very concerned that it should never arise again as it has arisen in days gone by. In addition, would he effect an inquiry, irrespective of the inquiries which I know are being conducted by the hospital concerned and by the Eastern Health Board?
I would have to receive the report of the health board and the voluntary hospital before I could take any further decision. Quite naturally, if the report revealed that it is necessary to take any steps of the kind suggested by the Deputy, the steps will undoubtedly be taken.
