Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2015
501. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health for an update on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and when the person can expect an appointment for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore in County Offaly [36503/15]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
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 should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, 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 up the matter.
