asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the charge to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who has a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers . - Charge to Medical Cardholder .
546.
: Arrangements for providing hospital treatment in County Wexford are a matter for the South-Eastern Health Board. The person concerned was admitted to Wexford County Hospital on 6 February 1983 following a road traffic accident and after treatment there was discharged on 15 February 1983.
The patient in question has a medical card. However, Article 6 (3) of the Health Services Regulations, 1971, specifically excludes "Persons who require treatment for injuries received in a road traffic accident" from eligibility for free hospital services unless it can be established that the accident victim is not entitled to compensation arising out of the accident.
If the patient referred to establishes that he is not so entitled to compensation he will be deemed eligible by the board and the charges waived.