asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the decision of Jervis Street Hospital, Dublin, to introduce home dialysis and of the savings in hospitalisation costs that will result from this move, he will consider underwriting the cost of the necessary machines; and if he will make a statement on the Department's policy in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home Dialysis.
3.
A recent application from this hospital for the provision of financial assistance towards the cost of six home dialysis machines is being considered urgently in my Department in consultation with the appropriate medical consultants of Jervis Street Hospital.
I assure the Deputy that full and sympathetic consideration will be given to such applications.
Could the Minister say what the total cost would be and what it would involve in savings in hospitalisation?
I could not say what the savings would be.
The savings would be £80 per week per patient.
The total cost is reckoned to be £10,000.
Would the Minister not agree that the situation calls for giving this grant immediately to save hospitalisation charges?
We are examining the matter as rapidly as possible. There are other complications.
Obviously, the hospital does not think so when they want these machines in the homes.
The Deputy need not be so testy about this. There are other complications.
Financial?
No, in regard to the suitability of the particular domestic premises.
Would the Minister not think that this is a matter for the hospitals rather than the Minister?