asked the Minister for Health if he will make inquiries into the circumstances of the death on 7th November, 1958, of a patient at a Dublin hospital (details supplied to his Department); and whether an officer of his Department will interview the next of kin in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Death of Patient in Dublin Hospital.
9.
The agreement between health authorities and voluntary hospitals for the provision of services in those hospitals for patients receiving the benefits of the Health Acts, 1947 to 1957, provides that any complaint by or on behalf of a patient received by a health authority should on request by that body be investigated by the authorities of the hospital concerned, who should report in the first instance to the health authority. If the health authority are not satisfied regarding any matter arising out of such a report, they may refer the relevant correspondence to me, and, if I should think it necessary, I may have further inquiries made.
I am informed that no complaint has been received by the health authority concerned in the case referred to in the question, but if such a complaint is received by the health authority and is subsequently referred by them to me, I shall consider what action I might appropriately take.
Is the Minister aware that while no complaint was made to the local health authority in this matter a complaint was made to the hospital concerned and surely the Minister, as Minister for Health, has some obligation to see that the medical authorities in the hospital would discuss the matter of this boy's death with his parents or friends?
I would ask the Deputy to read the reply I have given which states I am acting in accordance with an agreement made with the hospitals.