Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
974. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence if Defence Forces personnel have access to specialist doctors; if such costs are covered by the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17038/13]
View answerWhile the majority of secondary health care for members of the Defence Forces is provided through the public/private health system, some limited in-house secondary health care is currently provided at St. Bricin’s Hospital by Defence Forces Medical Personnel and contracted civilian consultants. The range and availability of medical care provided by St. Bricin’s Hospital strives to meet the occupational needs of the Defence Forces. However, the combination of medical officer and the civilian secondary medical service has a limited capacity and in effect it operates only as an outpatient facility. The contracted civilian consultants conduct regular scheduled clinics for all ranks as required to meet the needs of service personnel. The following are the services provided:
- Physician,
- Ear Nose and Throat specialty,
- Pathology
- Radiology,
- Ophthalmology,
- Periodontal; and
- Psychiatric services.
Appointments for personnel to attend these services are normally made as a result of referral by a medical officer.
Because of the limited capacity of St. Bricin’s personnel may need to be referred for specialist treatment through the public/private care system in civilian hospitals. Where it is necessary to refer enlisted personnel to specialist doctors outside the Defence Forces Medical Corps this is generally done through the public health system and referral onto the public waiting list as the case may be. In certain specific circumstances (Recruits and Cadets), a special case may be made through the Director of the Medical Corps (DMC) for private specialist treatment. If agreed, the cost of this specialist treatment is currently met by the Defence vote.
In certain circumstances, and if approved by the Brigade/Formation Medical Officer and the Central Medical Unit, Defence Forces Headquarters, commissioned officers may be referred to specialist doctors for consultations, tests and treatment. The associated approved costs for such consultations, tests and treatment are currently met by the Defence vote.
