Vol. 535 No. 4
171 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether citizens who contracted hepatitis C as a consequence of negligence on the part of the State should automatically be entitled to a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12734/01]
Persons who were infected with hepatitis C through the administration within the State of blood or blood products are awarded a health services card rather than a medical card. The health services card carries more benefits for the individual with hepatitis C than the medical card, and is not means tested or subject to periodic review.
Health services cards are awarded by the health boards under the terms of the Health (Amendment) Act, 1996. Under the Act, the health boards make available, without charge, the following services to persons infected by hepatitis C through the administration within the State of blood or blood products: GP services in relation to all medical conditions; prescribed drugs and medicines; home support services; home nursing services; dental, ophthalmic and aural services; counselling services in respect of hepatitis C; other services, as appropriate.
Liaison officers have been appointed in each health board to co-ordinate the services provided under the Act, and to provide a contact point for hepatitis C patients and the four support groups – Positive Action, Transfusion Positive, Irish Haemophilia Society and Irish Kidney Association.
In addition to the services available under the health services card, hospital services for this group of patients are provided through the following designated units: Beaumont, Mater, St. James's and St. Vincent's Hospitals, Dublin; Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin; St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny; Cork University Hospital and University College Hospital, Galway. Under the health care package made available to persons infected with hepatitis C through the administration within the State of blood or blood products, it is guaranteed that no patient will have to wait more than two weeks for an appointment to a hepatitis C unit. Patients referred by a liver consultant to another specialty, for example, gynaecology or rheumatology, are guaranteed their first appointment within two weeks. Subsequent appointments are on the basis of clinical need.
I assure the Deputy that I and my Department are fully committed to the continued development of primary care and hospital services for persons with hepatitis C, and the provision of adequate resources for these services.
