Hospital Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2005

Tuesday, 8 February 2005

Ceisteanna (222)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

232 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the serious capacity problems at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, which has led to the cancellation of a hysterectomy operation for a person (details supplied) in July, August, October and December 2004 and February 2005 due to the lack of an available bed in the hospital; if an immediate report will issue on this matter from Beaumont Hospital regarding the reason such a serious operation could not be performed in the hospital on any of the scheduled dates; her views on whether this is a totally unacceptable way for a patient to be treated; and the action she proposes to take to address this matter. [3826/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Services at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin are provided under an arrangement with the executive. My Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to examine the issues raised and to reply to the Deputy directly.