asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 has had an appointment with an ENT specialist at Jervis Street Hospital deferred from 8 May 1984 to 21 August 1984, without reasonable explanation; if he will accept that this has more to do with the fact that this patient is non-paying; if he will seek an explanation from the hospital in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Deferral of Patient's Appointment.
197.
I am informed by Jervis Street Hospital that the patient's appointment was deferred from 8 May to 21 August because the consultant surgeon concerned was ill at the time of the May appointment. However the hospital authority say that if the patient's general practitioner contacts the hospital an earlier appointment will be arranged if this is indicated by the patient's medical condition.