Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Jul 1991

Vol. 410 No. 7

Written Answers. - Examination by Medical Referee.

Austin Currie

Question:

88 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has investigated a complaint from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 about the treatment she received when visiting the medical referee at Oisin House; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

Medical referees are fully qualified and experienced practitioners who provide a second opinion to that of the person's own doctor for the guidance of the Department's deciding officers. Their examinations conform to the ethical conduct and behaviour guidelines of the medical council.

The examinations conducted by medical referees are confined to establishing whether the person is incapable. Medical referees do not attempt to determine how best the case should be managed with a view to recovery and future treatment. Accordingly, some persons will notice that there are some differences between the way a general practitioner or consultant approaches their case and the type of examination made by a medical referee.

Every effort is made to ensure that the interests of persons referred for medical referee examination are fully safeguarded. Their own certifiers are advised of the forthcoming examinations and invited to submit an appropriate medical report including references to any recent consultant examinations. In addition it is open to a certifier to attend a medical referee examination if he or she so wishes.

The complaint by the person concerned has been investigated by the medical adviser who is satisfied that the medical referee concerned carried out the examination in a courteous, professional manner.