Vol. 481 No. 3
75 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost for each health board to have persons suffering from cystic fibrosis assessed abroad over the past three years; and the numbers involved in respect of each health board. [15325/97]
In the past three years 46 persons with cystic fibrosis have been assessed abroad for suitability for either heart and lung transplants or lung transplants. The numbers involved in respect of each health board are as follows: Eastern Health Board, 18; Midland Health Board two; Mid-Western Health Board, four; North-Eastern Health Board, two; North-Western Health Board, three; South-Eastern Health Board, seven; Southern Health Board, five and Western Health Board, five.
There are a number of variables involved in costing an assessment, such as whether the assessment is for lung transplant or a heart and lung transplant and whether the assessment is on a day patient basis or an in-patient basis. Accordingly, the initial assessment can cost between £1,500 and £3,000. If the person requires in-patient care in excess of five days, this excess is considered as a hospital admission and further costs will be incurred. Many persons with cystic fibrosis will require more than one assessment prior to a transplant taking place. When persons are sent abroad for assessment the health board in some cases receives an estimated bill from the hospital, which includes the estimated cost of the actual transplant itself. Final bills presented to the health boards do not give a breakdown of the various cost elements. Accordingly, it is not possible to determine exactly how much each health board has paid in assessment costs only.
