Vol. 471 No. 4
56 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health the reason a baby (details supplied) in Dublin 22, who has Downs Syndrome, has had his required hole-in-the-heart operation postponed on three occasions at Crumlin Hospital, Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20748/96]
Limerick East): Inquiries were made from the hospital authorities in Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin, and I understand that the operation was postponed on two occasions due to emergency admissions and once due to the non-availability of specialist nursing cover. I also understand that the hospital authorities expect that the child will be admitted early in the new year.
As the Deputy is aware, the scheduling of surgery is the clinical decision of the consultant concerned and should the parents of the child feel that their child's condition has deteriorated they should contact their general practitioner who would be in the best position to take up the matter up with the consultant directly.
57 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health if he will have arrangements made for an early admission to hospital of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who is waiting for over three months for an operation. [20770/96]
Limerick East): I understand from the South Eastern Health Board that a request for an out-patient appointment for the person referred to by the Deputy was received in St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, on 2 October 1996. The person was seen by a consultant surgeon on 11 October 1996 and was put on the in-patient waiting list. It is anticipated that he will be called for surgery within the next six months. Should he feel that his condition warrants more immediate attention he should return to his general practitioner who would be in the best position to emphasise the urgency of his case to the consultant directly.
