Hospital Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2013

Tuesday, 29 January 2013

Questions (680)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

680. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will seek an immediate explanation from Temple Street Children's Hospital, Dublin, as to the reason the referral list for circumcisions that are required for medical reasons has been closed; if the hospital is authorised to cease accepting such referrals; the strategy in place to deal with young children who require such procedures as in the case of a child (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and as a matter of urgency, in view of the fact that the child is in pain, if he will investigate if there is another health facility in the State at which this procedure can be carried out. [4001/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I wish to confirm that Temple Street Children's Hospital does accept referrals for circumcisions which are based on clinical need.

I am advised that the GP referral letter in this case was addressed to the urology department and did not indicate that there was any urgency in the matter. If the GP wishes to refer this case to the General Surgery Department and indicates the level of urgency, it will be dealt with accordingly.