Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Feb 1992

Vol. 415 No. 5

Ceisteanna — Questions Written Answers. - Newly Diagnosed Medical Conditions.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

24 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health if she will outline the number of (a) E112 forms in respect of newly diagnosed medical conditions issued for each year since 1985, (b) forms that were issued after the date they were to become retrospectively effective, (c) E112 forms issued since 1985 in respect of newly diagnosed cases of retinoblastoma and ocular melanoma and the number of these particular E112 forms that were issued retrospectively; if she has satisfied herself that the health boards are carrying out their responsibility in respect to item 1 of Circular 21/85; and if she will further outline for cases of extreme urgency, the way in which a patient is to be referred where the promise of an E112 is not an acceptable basis for admission in the hospital of the host country as referred to in item 2 (A) of circular 21/85.

Minister for Health (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The detailed information sought by the Deputy is not routinely collected by my Department. Under the terms of item 1 Circular 21/85 which governs the referral abroad scheme, the chief executive officer of the referring health board can approve cases without reference to my Department where the total costs involved are less than £10,000. Applications made to my Department are always treated in an expeditious manner and decisions are conveyed immediately to the health board concerned. I am unaware of any difficulties associated with the operation of this scheme.

Arrangements which are made outside the terms of the EC regulations, such as the referral of a patient to a non-EC country or where arrangements are made for private treatment of a patient in any country abroad, must be regarded as being outside the terms of the circular. Health boards have no obligation to meet any part of the cost involved but they may, in exceptional circumstances, consider contributing towards the cost.

If the Deputy has a particular case in mind I would be glad to have details in order that it can be discussed with the health board concerned.