Hospital Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2004

Tuesday, 22 June 2004

Questions (39)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

36 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention was drawn to the claim made by a person (details supplied) that intense pressure on the accident and emergency unit of Beaumont Hospital over the past year has resulted in neurology patients from all over the State finding it increasingly difficult to be admitted to have conditions such as MS and Parkinson’s disease investigated; and the steps being taken to deal with the problem and to ensure that all such patients receive prompt examination and treatment. [18370/04]

Written answers

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The Eastern Region Health Authority is charged with responsibility for commissioning health and personal social services on behalf of the population of the region. It also carries out the task on behalf of those outside the region who are referred for specialist treatment. Services at Beaumont Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the authority. My Department has asked the authority's regional cheif executive officer to investigate the issue and to reply directly to the Deputy.