Infectious Diseases.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2005

Tuesday, 31 May 2005

Ceisteanna (132, 133, 134)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

141 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the procedure whereby persons infected by the MRSA superbug are informed by the hospital authorities that they have the MRSA superbug; the reason persons who are infected with MRSA are not put into isolation wards; if she plans to change this practice; the reason infection from the MRSA superbug is not listed on the death certificate as the cause of death; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17941/05]

Paudge Connolly

Ceist:

159 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if persons who contract the MRSA virus in hospitals will be nursed in isolation from other patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18190/05]

Paudge Connolly

Ceist:

160 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if it is official policy to inform persons who contract the MRSA virus that they have contracted it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18191/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141, 159 and 160 together.

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. This includes the provision of acute hospital services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the director of the National Hospitals Office to reply directly to the Deputies regarding the issues raised.