Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.

Michael Finucane

Question:

247 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will institute an investigation into the Mid-Western Health Board as to the reason a person (details supplied) in County Limerick has been told it will be two years before he receives an appointment for the urology department in the Regional Hospital, Limerick; and his views on whether it is justified to impose the wait for an outpatient appointment due to current service limitations at the hospital. [15876/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of medical services in this instance is the statutory responsibility of the Mid-Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply to the Deputy directly. The scheduling of admissions is a matter for the consultant concerned and is determined solely on the basis of medical priority. Should the person feel that his condition has deteriorated he should consult his general practitioner, who would be in the best position to emphasise the urgency of his case to the consultant directly.