Gay Mitchell
Question:167 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the content of correspondence (details supplied) regarding the difficulty of managing a physically disabled child. [6491/01]
Written Answers. - Child Care Services.
Health boards may refer patients for treatment abroad where certain criteria have been met. These criteria are as follows: the treatment concerned is not available in this country; there is an urgent medical necessity for the treatment; there is a reasonable medical prognosis; and the treatment is regarded as a proven form of medical treatment and is recommended by the patient's consultant; 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 Deputy.