Vol. 474 No. 5
53 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in arranging an angioplast for a person (details supplied) in Waterford, at St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin 4 in view of the fact that this procedure has to be carried out before a liver biopsy can be arranged for this person, who is suffering with hepatitis C; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3451/97]
, Limerick East): There is currently a waiting list for angioplasty procedures at St. Vincent's Hospital and the priority of each individual's case is decided on by the appropriate clinicians. In the case of the person concerned, the priority of her case is currently being re-examined.
The special health care package for persons who have contracted hepatitis C from a blood product or blood transfusion includes both secondary health care and primary health care services. Among the secondary care elements of the health care package is a provision for referral to a consultant for conditions related to hepatitis C. A patient who is referred by a liver consultant to another consultant for the purpose of testing, investigation or treatment of any known or suspected condition related to hepatitis C, or any condition which, while not related to hepatitis C, requires special treatment or care as a result of the person's infection with hepatitis C is given a priority first appointment within two weeks. Follow up appointments are arranged on the basis of medical needs.
