Arthur Spring
Question:630. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Health the status of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who is on a waiting list for an appointment to see a consultant. [1052/16]
View answerWednesday, 13 January 2016
Questions (630)
Written answers
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.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. If a patient's general practitioner considers 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 the Deputy directly. If he has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he should contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
Question No. 631 answered with Question No. 598.