asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the circumstances surrounding the admission of a person (details supplied) to Roscommon County Hospital on 25 February 1980; the number of hours involved from the time the patient left her home; the cost involved: and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Roscommon Hospital Patient.
31.
I have obtained details regarding the case referred to by the Deputy from the Western Health Board.
Four and a half hours elapsed between the time the patient left her home by ambulance and her admission to a bed in Roscommon County Hospital. The cost of the provision of the ambulance service was approximately £41.
The details of the case which I have received indicate that there were exceptional circumstances in relation to the lapse of time before the patient was admitted to hospital and I do not consider that any further action by me in the matter is called for.
Will the Minister give an idea of the circumstances involved?
They were exceptional personal circumstances. If the Deputy wishes to be made aware of them I would prefer to give them to him privately.
I am satisfied.
Questions Nos. 32 to 40, inclusive, postponed.