Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.

John McGuinness

Question:

233 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 68 of 18 April 2000, his Department can insist on an admission date in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny whose condition is deemed urgent and is waiting for a place in the Mater Hospital, Dublin 7; if he has satisfied himself with the reply given to this parliamentary question regarding the waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13612/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of medical treatment in this instance is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. I understand from the authority that a reply dated 8 May 2000 issued to the Deputy in the matter.

I hope the Deputy will understand that the scheduling of admission to hospital is a matter for the consultant concerned and is determined solely on the basis of medical priority. Should the person in question feel that his condition has deteriorated he should return to his general prac titioner, who would be in the best position to emphasise the urgency of his case to the consultant directly.