Vol. 520 No. 1
182 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 receives an E112 form in order that he can continue his treatment and therapy with the Dianova Association in Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15719/00]
190 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children if an E1 12 form can be granted to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 who is dying of aids, Hepatitis A, B and C in Germany in view of the special circumstances whereby specialist aftercare can only be provided there. [14954/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 190 together.
Health boards may refer patients for treatment abroad where certain criteria have been met. These criteria are as follows:
1.The treatment concerned is not available in this country;
2.There is an urgent medical necessity for the treatment;
3.There is a reasonable medical prognosis;
4.The treatment is regarded as a proven form of medical treatment and is recommended by the patient's consultant;
5.The treatment is to be carried out in a recognised hospital or other institution and is under the control of a registered medical practitioner.
It is a matter for the health board concerned to examine the circumstances of each individual case and to decide on whether the above criteria have been met. I have therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to investigate the circumstances of this case and reply directly to the Deputies.
183 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the various and apparently conflicting decisions being taken by various individual health boards regarding entitlement to surgery abroad for persons suffering from gender identity disorder; if he will oblige all health boards to provide for a streamlined application and appeals process in this regard where such decisions will be taken on medical and not financial grounds; the plans, if any, he has to provide for surgery in this country for persons suffering from this condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14853/00]
The referral of patients abroad scheme is administered by the Eastern Regional Health Authority and by each health board for all cases.
The criteria for the referral of patients abroad are the same for all cases where treatment is sought. The criteria are as follows:
1.The treatment concerned is not available in this country;
2.There is an urgent medical necessity for the treatment;
3.There is a reasonable medical prognosis;
4.The treatment is regarded as a proven form of medical treatment and is recommended by the patient's consultant;
