Limerick East): I have had inquiries made of the hospital authorities in this matter and have been advised that the position is as follows. The patient was seen in the International Missionary Training Hospital, Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda (IMTH) and diagnosed with haemochromatosis, and it was open to him to have all the necessary treatment at that hospital. He opted instead, in consultation with his general practitioner, to obtain a second opinion from Beaumont Hospital. It confirmed the diagnosis and elected to treat the patient.
In the patient's best interest, it is usual to have continuity of care, as the fragmentation of treatment between two hospitals can give rise to problems. However, each case should be looked at on its own merits. It is open, therefore, for the Beaumont consultant to discuss this patient's case with the consultant at IMTH and to look at options for shared care arrangements. Alternatively, the patient might now be in a position to be referred back to the IMTH for follow on treatment.