Hospital Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2006

Tuesday, 16 May 2006

Ceisteanna (127)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

179 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her role in dealing with complaints against private hospitals and that of the Health Service Executive. [18281/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Part 9 of the Health Act 2004 provides for the establishment of a statutory complaints framework which will apply to the Health Service Executive (HSE) or to service providers providing services on behalf of the HSE. The framework provides for initial resolution of complaints at local level. It also provides for access to independent review if the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome of the complaint. Access to the Office of the Ombudsman or the Office of the Ombudsman for Children is also provided for in the event that the complainant remains dissatisfied following the outcome of a review. Under the legislation, neither I nor my Department will have any role in the processing of complaints.

The arrangements that I have outlined will apply to a private hospital which is providing services on behalf of the HSE but not otherwise.