Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2016
504. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons prioritised as urgent on the outpatient list for urology services at University Hospital Waterford have been informed that they can expect to be seen within four years (details supplied); his views on whether this waiting time is appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39999/16]
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.
