Vol. 421 No. 5
23 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the specific steps the Government propose to take to meet the commitment given in the Review of the Programme for Government to develop the health services so as to ensure equality of access to services, irrespective of means; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Consequent upon the passing of the Health (Amendment) Act, 1991, which extended eligibility for public hospital services to the entire population, new arrangements for admission to public hospitals are currently being introduced on a phased basis. These will improve equity of access by ensuring that, except in emergency cases, private patients are accommodated in designated private beds and public patients in designated public beds. My Department will be involved in the continuous monitoring of the operation of the new system to ensure that the objective of improving equity of access is achieved.
Equity in access to community-based services is also being improved as a result of the review of medical card eligibility assessment procedures carried out by the Chief Executive Officers of the health boards. In addition, a Medical Card Appeals System will be introduced.
