Vol. 424 No. 1
119 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the delay in admitting a person (details supplied) in Cork city, who is badly in need of nursing care, to a Southern Health Board hospital or nursing home.
It is not appropriate for me to comment on an individual case such as this by way of reply to a parliamentary question.
However, I will communicate details of the case in a confidential letter to the Deputy.
120 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Health if he has, as promised, investigated the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has been awaiting heart surgery since 1991; the reason for the delay in the provision of treatment; his views on whether the delay has had a negative effect on the life of the woman; and the plans, if any, he now has for this person.
I asked the Southern Health Board for a full report on this case as a matter of urgency. The board has informed me that the case has been under review by the board's medical advisers to determine the most appropriate treatment. In the meantime, the patient's medical condition is being actively managed and monitored. The patient has been reviewed by the consultant cardiologist at Cork Regional Hospital and treatment is ongoing. I would remind the Deputy that any decisions concerning treatment are a matter for the patient's own doctors in consultation with the patient.
121 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the special circumstances of persons (details supplied) seeking IVF treatment in the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin 1, he will consider whether they might be assisted financially.
In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is available at the Human Assisted Reproduction Unit at the Rotunda Hospital. This unit is a limited company separate from the hospital.
The question of allocating public funds to this project must be considered in the context of the many competing demands for resources throughout the health services.
I understand the couple in question have sought financial assistance from the Eastern Health Board towards the cost of treatment and I have asked my Department to contact the Eastern Health Board in the matter.
