Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Pat Carey

Question:

254 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to a situation (details supplied) where people not residing in the catchment area of certain hospitals are being turned away; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15054/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

Each of the major Dublin acute hospitals provides a local service to its immediate hinterland. However, referral is a matter for the general practitioner in the first instance, exercising his-her clinical judgment on the hospital of choice.

The issues raised by the Deputy in the case referred to are a matter in the first instance for the hospital authorities at St. James's Hospital. The Deputy should, therefore, forward the chief executive officer of that hospital full details of this case, including the name of the general practitioner concerned and the exact nature of the procedure required. The chief executive officer will then be in a position to investigate this case and reply directly to the Deputy.