Vol. 505 No. 3
187 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether the options available to persons who wish to change their next of kin for the purposes of dealing with matters under the auspices of his Department are adequate; the nature of any representations received in that regard; the action taken or proposed thereon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13751/99]
It would be normal practice for hospitals to invite patients to nominate their next of kin when taking registration details upon admission. In relation to operational procedures in place at an individual hospital level to facilitate patients in changing their next of kin or in establishing a next of kin in the case of an emergency admission, I have written to each agency individually to request that this information be supplied directly to the Deputy.
