Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 4

Written Answers - Phlebotomy Operation.

Mary Wallace

Question:

64 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Louth has been refused a phlebotomy in his local hospital and forced to make a weekly journey to Dublin for this straightforward procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20848/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

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.