Hospital Appointments Delays

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2015

Tuesday, 3 March 2015

Questions (363)

Gerry Adams

Question:

363. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth, who is awaiting an appointment in St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, and who, although provided with an appointment date of 27 July 2015, believes that this is an unacceptable time frame in view of the level of discomfort being experienced; if he will examine this case with a view to expediting this appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8762/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up with them.