I have had inquiries made of the hospital authorities regarding this matter. It is understood that the person concerned attended at the Meath Hospital's accident and emergency department on 24 November 1989 with a laceration of his left hand and that there was some delay before he was treated. This delay was caused by the attendance at the accident and emergency department of a number of seriously ill patients who needed immediate attention and admission. The number of examination areas was severely restricted while these patients awaited transfer to the wards. Of necessity people with lacerations and other nonlife threatening conditions had to wait until these cases had been dealt with. I understand that the person concerned did receive the appropriate care and attention when seen.
Given the nature of the accident and emergency service it is impossible to anticipate when and how many people will present for treatment nor can one anticipate the type of the injuries that have to be dealt with. I am satisfied that adequate resources have been provided to enable the Meath Hospital to significantly improve its accident and emergency service which is now available on a 24 hour, seven day week basis.
I am happy that the Meath Hospital are providing a very high standard of service in a very professional manner.