Jack Wall
Ceist:253 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the options being considered by the ERHA regarding psychiatric treatment costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23750/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 6 October 2004
Ceisteanna (135, 136, 137)
Jack Wall
Ceist:254 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person who changes from the ERHA to another health board does not carry their entitlements to give medical psychiatric treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23751/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraJack Wall
Ceist:255 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 938 of 29 September 2004 (details supplied), if the position is that the ERHA will come in line with other health boards; if his Department will ensure that all health boards, inclusive of the ERHA will be the medical cards of psychiatric treatment as is the case within the ERHA area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23752/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 to 255, inclusive, together.
The current situation in relation to the supply of psychiatric drugs to public out-patients in the Eastern Regional Health Authority differs from that in other health board areas. This is an anomaly which has occurred for historical reasons.
A working group was established by the Eastern Regional Health Authority to review the matter and to make recommendations for change in the prescribing and dispensing of medication to psychiatric out-patients. I understand that the working group recommends that existing users of the service should not be disadvantaged and that all existing patients should continue to receive free medication. The working group's recommended approach is broadly equivalent to the system operating for non-psychiatric medicines and brings the general practitioner more fully into the mental health care system. I understand that the working group's recommendations are being considered by the ERHA at present.