Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 November 2023
133. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that a complaint (details supplied) is processed as soon as possible; his views on the contents of the complaint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48969/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, in my capacity as Minister for Health, I deal primarily with legislation, policy, overall budgetary allocation, corporate governance and public relations. 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 me as 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.
However, I have raised this matter with the Health Service Executive and have asked them to respond to the Deputy directly.
I would also like to advise the Deputy that with regard to specific complaints in relation to experiences of individuals in our hospitals, there is a formal complaints policy, details of which are on the HSE website, at: www.hse.ie/eng/services/yourhealthservice/feedback/complaints/.
In accordance with this procedure, a complaint must be made in the first instance to the hospital in which the incident causing the complaint occurred.
I would also like to draw the Deputy’s attention to the national Patient Advocacy Service, which was launched in late 2019. The service provides support and guidance for patients and their families, where care was received in HSE funded Public Acute Hospitals. It is a free, independent and confidential service. The phone number is 0818 293003 and more information can be found on their website www.patientadvocacyservice.ie/.
If a person is not satisfied with the response from the hospital, a review can be sought from the Ombudsman, whose details are set out below.
Office of the Ombudsman
6 Earlsfort Terrace
Dublin 2
D02 W773
Tel 01 639 5600
Website: www.ombudsman.ie/contact/.
