Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 May 1989

Vol. 389 No. 9

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Heart Surgery.

2.

Miss Harney

asked the Minister for Health if, given that the Mater Hospital, Dublin 7, which is the national centre for open heart surgery, has decided to restrict to 700 this year the number of open heart operations to be carried out, and given that this will leave 300-400 people who require this surgery without same, he will ensure that the resources are put at the disposal of this unit of the Mater Hospital to ensure that no patient is left on a waiting list for the vital surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

14.

Mr. Gibbons

asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Mater Hospital Dublin 7, to restrict the number of heart surgery cases to 700 this year because of the financial constraints under which the hospital has to operate; if, given that this will cause great distress to as many as 400 patients, he will make additional funds available to ensure that all heart patients can receive the necessary medical attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Dr. O'Hanlon

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 14 together.

I understand from the Mater Hospital that the target for open heart operations in 1989 is 750. This is an increase of 48 on the number of open heart operations performed in 1988. There are 366 persons at present awaiting this type of surgery. I am satisfied that emergency cases always receive priority treatment.