Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 3

Written Answers. - Health Board Services.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

318 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6, resident in a recognised nursing home and the holder of a medical card, is being denied the provision of a special mattress which is required to help with pressure sores and is being charged ?295 a month for the hire of the mattress which could be purchased for ?2,000; the reason the medical card does not cover the expense; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17605/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Callely)

Responsibility for the provision of health services in the Rathgar area rests with the East Coast Area Health Board operating under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the director of services for older people of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and reply direct to him, as a matter of urgency.