Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jun 1998

Vol. 493 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

148 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who was admitted to Galway University Hospital for surgery was sent home after fasting for a period of 17.5 hours and waiting in a hospital bed for six and a half hours and whose first appointment was cancelled; the reason Deputy Ring has not been able to get a reply from the Western Health Board to his letters; his views on whether this is a satisfactory level of service for members of the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15558/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I understand from the Western Health Board that a reply was issued to the Deputy dated 25 May 1998 stating that the person in question was scheduled for surgery on 27 May 1998. However, when this person attended at the hospital it was not possible to proceed with the surgery. The board has advised that every effort is being made to reschedule the surgery. As the provision of treatment in this instance is a matter for the Western Health Board in the first instance, I have asked the board to reply directly to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.