Vol. 503 No. 4
122 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the long delays for chemotherapy at the Mater Hospital, Dublin 7; the reason for these delays; if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 will receive his treatment as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10385/99]
I have had inquiries made of the Mater Hospital regarding delays for chemotherapy treatment at the hospital and I have been advised that most new patients are admitted within seven to ten days of their assessment at the consultant's clinic. In addition, I understand that the hospital has planned for an increase of approximately 25 per cent in its workload for 1999. This should have a positive impact on waiting times for treatment.
With regard to the Deputy's query regarding the individual patient's case, as the determination of patient appointments is a matter for the hospital in the first instance, I have asked the chief executive officer of the Mater Hospital to investigate the position regarding the patient. Given the particular circumstances of this case, I have asked that he reply to the Deputy directly, as a matter of urgency.
