asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether his attention has been drawn to the report of the inquest on Mrs. Mary O'Toole, 60 Old Bride Street, Dublin, and the evidence tendered thereat by the husband concerning his difficulties in obtaining medical assistance during the night for his wife; and, if so, whether he proposes to take steps to have facilities provided whereby medical assistance may be obtainable at night for similar cases of grave urgency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Assistance at Night.
I have seen newspaper reports of this regrettable occurrence.
Medical assistance in accordance with the statutory provisions is, as the Deputy is aware, available to all eligible applicants under the Public Assistance Act, 1939, and the regulations made thereunder and does not include the medical attention which may be sought from any private medical practitioner or any non-public assistance institution or service. In the present case my information is that on the night in question a dispensary medical officer for the area was available, if summoned. In the circumstances the full facts in this case do not suggest that any extension of the existing service is really necessary.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this man called upon the hospitals, that he called on private medical practitioners, and that he called on the Guards, and that not one of these experts could advise him as to how he was to get competent medical advice for the removal of his wife to hospital? Surely, if hospitals are available they should be in a position to advise the ordinary members of the public in such cases. Would it not be possible for the hospitals to make arrangements whereby one of the resident staff would be available in cases of emergency, such as this, and so that the ambulance could be utilised, or at least that information on these matters could be given to the public?
I presume the Deputy is aware that the Minister has no control whatever over the voluntary hospitals in this regard. The services of the dispensary medical officer are available. If he is negligent in the discharge of his duties, the Minister is in a position to deal with him, but the Minister cannot direct the voluntary hospitals as to how they ought to conduct their institutions.
I am suggesting that the Minister for Local Government and Public Health should advise them that a certain necessity exists. He should draw their attention to it.
They ought to know it without his advice.
It seems to me that the only things which the Minister has power to do are negative things.
Is the Deputy suggesting that the Minister should take statutory power to control the voluntary hospitals?
He has taken enough power as it is.