Terence Flanagan
Question:422. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the status of medical costs for haemochromatosis patients (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44025/15]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2015
422. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the status of medical costs for haemochromatosis patients (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44025/15]
View answerThe Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) provides a haemochromatosis service in its Stillorgan and D’Olier Street centres in Dublin, as well as in Cork. There is no charge for this service, irrespective of medical entitlement or health insurance cover. Where patients meet the normal blood donation criteria, they can also become blood donors.
People who wish to use the service should get a prescription from their GP or hospital clinic on the relevant IBTS form. This is available at www.giveblood.ie. The prescription will be valid for one year and will facilitate up to four venesections per person per year.