Hospital Procedures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2016

Tuesday, 29 November 2016

Questions (636)

John McGuinness

Question:

636. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason an urgent operation on a person (details supplied) with chronic scoliosis was cancelled at the last minute; the reason the hospital showed no consideration for the person and their parent who had made extensive arrangements to be with their child; if the fact that the person has autism had anything to do with the decision; if he will ensure the hospital sets an early date for the operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37767/16]

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.

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.

There is a National Waiting List Management Protocol in place which sets out a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment. Details of this are available on http://www.ntpf.ie/home/pdf/National%20Waiting%20List%20Management%20Protocol.pdf .

In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.