Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Nov 1991

Vol. 413 No. 5

Written Answers. - Private Patients in Public Hospitals.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

175 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health if it has been brought to her attention that certain consultants in a private hospital (details supplied) in Dublin are directing their private patients to obtain X-rays, and tests in the public hospital; and if she will ensure that this practice is discontinued.

Minister for Health (Mr. O'Rourke)

I have been advised that any private patients, referred from the Mater Private Hospital are registerd as private patients and invoices are issued to them for the tests/X-rays. The public hospitals' income is thereby augmented by this practice.