Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 July 2012
344 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the reason for the extraordinary delay for routine paediatric cardiac appointment in Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35643/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Special Delivery Unit (SDU) is working to unblock access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF. During 2012, the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a maximum wait time for children of 20 weeks for an elective inpatient or day case procedure.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved.
