Hospital Appointments Status

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2015

Thursday, 12 November 2015

Questions (152)

Colm Keaveney

Question:

152. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway had four appointments for the fitting of a pubic catheter cancelled at the last minute; at a policy level, the measures he has directed to be taken to ensure that the health service provides proper respect and regard to a person's time, particularly in regard to the distress and inconvenience caused by cancellations where arrangements with carers, etc. are involved; when the person will receive a new appointment; if that appointment will be honoured, or if the person will, for the fifth time, be subjected to the distress of a last minute cancellation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39813/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under 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.

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 the matter up.