Michael Ring
Question:90 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will seek a full reply to parliamentary Question No. 436 of 3 October 2001 from the Mater Misericordiae Hospital in Dublin. [23555/01]
Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.
As I indicated in response to Question No. 436 of 3 October, my Department has asked the chief executive officer of the Western Health Board to investigate the position in relation to this case.
The Western Health Board has the statutory responsibility under the Health Act, 1970, to provide hospital services to people in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. The board currently provides a range of hospital services through its hospitals at University College Hospital, Merlin Park, Mayo General and Roscommon County Hospital. Where the service required is not available locally, the board may refer patients to other hospitals. In the current case, it appears the patient has been referred to the Mater Hospital, Dublin. It is for this reason that my Department referred the Deputy's question to the chief executive officer of the Western Health Board. I understand the board has been in touch with the Mater Hospital in Dublin and that a reply will issue to the Deputy in the very near future.