Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2017
506. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not been given a definitive date for surgery; the reason they have not received a date for surgery in view of the urgency of the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32797/17]
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.
