Tony Killeen
Ceist:34 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay of over two years in having a person (details supplied) in County Clare called for cardiac surgery; and when she will be called. [11034/97]
Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.
Limerick East): I understand that Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, has confirmed that the child referred to by the Deputy is on its waiting list for cardiac surgery but that it is not possible at this time to indicate when she will be admitted. I hope the Deputy will understand that admission for cardiac surgery in the public hospital service is determined solely on the basis of the patient's condition and not the length of time spent on the waiting list. As priority is given to urgent and emergency cases, some patients may be on the waiting list for a considerable time. If the child's parents feel that her condition warrants more urgent attention they should contact their family doctor who would be in the best position to emphasise the urgency of the case to the consultant directly.