Hospital Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 October 2007

Wednesday, 10 October 2007

Ceisteanna (142)

James Reilly

Ceist:

211 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department in its regulatory role or the Health Service Executive is in receipt or expects to receive law suits for damages arising out the debacle regarding testing for cancer at Barrington’s Hospital, taking into account that the NTPF may have sent patients there and that she as sole shareholder in VHI also facilitated patients to attend Barrington’s Hospital, and that her Department despite information supplied 19 months ago on seven concerns at the hospital failed to act on the information in a timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23031/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

My Department has not received notice of legal proceedings in relation to the care of breast cancer patients attending Barrington's Hospital, Limerick. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive (HSE) to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy in relation to whether it has received notice of such proceedings.

The National Treatment Purchase Fund does not refer breast cancer patients to Barrington's Hospital. However, it does refer large numbers of patients there for the treatment of other conditions and it has advised that it is entirely satisfied with the standard of care provided.

I have no function in relation to the selection of health care providers by the VHI or any other provider of private health insurance.