asked the Minister for Health whether his Department has made an agreement for the treatment of Donegal patients in Derry hospitals, and, if so, what is the nature of the agreement, and what facilities will be made available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Treatment of Donegal Patients.
The Department of Health has no authority to enter into agreements with hospitals for the treatment of patients who are the responsibility of a health authority. That is a matter for the health authority in the first instance.
I understand that the Donegal County Council has made an agreement with the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Derry, for the treatment of patients in that hospital but that only in very exceptional cases are patients admitted to general surgical and medical hospitals.