Vol. 486 No. 1
545 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Wexford has been informed by Wexford General Hospital that it may be nine months before the specialist (details supplied) to whom he has been referred is in a position to offer him an appointment; if he has satisfied himself that such a delay is reasonable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1336/98]
The provision of medical treatment to eligible persons in County Wexford, in this instance, is the responsibility of the South Eastern Health Board. I have asked the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply to the Deputy directly.
546 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who has been unfit for work since July 1997 owing to a back ailment has been informed by Waterford Regional Hospital that it may be 18 months before the specialist (details supplied) to whom she has been referred is in a position to give her an appointment; if he has satisfied himself that such a delay is reasonable where a person is in considerable pain; the steps, if any, he intends to take to remedy this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1337/98]
The provision of medical treatment to eligible persons in County Wexford, in this instance, is the responsibility of the South Eastern Health Board. I have asked the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply to the Deputy directly.
