asked the Minister for Health the total number of occasions since 1984 on which patients from Galway have been transported by (a) helicopter, and (b) ambulance to other hospitals for treatment with CAT Scans; the estimated total cost involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - CAT Scans.
100.
I am informed by the Western Health Board that the total number of occasions since 1984 on which patients from Galway have been transported by ambulance to other hospitals for treatment with CAT scans is 612. No patients were transported by helicopter. The major element of the cost associated with these 612 cases is the transport cost and since this is subsumed into the overall ambulance costs it is not possible to apportion a figure for CAT scanner services.