Vol. 401 No. 4
226 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the delays and other problems being experienced by patients at St. Luke's Hospital, Dublin 6 awaiting blood tests results from St. Anne's Hospital, Dublin 6; and if he has any proposals to streamline these facilities.
The organisation of laboratory services at St. Luke's and St. Anne's Hospitals is, of course, a matter for the board of these joint hospitals in the first instance.
I understand from the hospital that blood tests for patients at St. Luke's are currently carried out at St. Anne's, the results of which are faxed immediately to St. Luke's. This integration of service was instituted on a trial basis and I understand that it is currently under review by the hospital authorities. In the meanwhile I am advised that the situation is being closely monitored by the hospital authorities to ensure that no unnecessary delay is experienced by patients awaiting blood tests.
