Written Answers Nos. 195-200
195. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to the publication of the establishment of hospital groups as a transition to independent hospital trusts, if expectant mothers on the north side of Dublin will continue to have the option of attending the National Maternity Hospital for all maternity services. [42668/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraPatients will not be restricted in their choice as a result of the establishment of Hospital Groups. Expectant mothers may be referred by their GP to the hospital of their choice.
196. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the maximum permissible time that a person will be left on a trolley at Beaumont Hospital accident and emergency department; the maximum recorded time that a person has been left on a trolley at Beaumont accident and emergency department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42694/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular patient query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.
197. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on each waiting list to see each speciality at Beaumont Hospital; the average time spent on the list waiting to see a specialist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42695/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra198. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the target accident and emergency waiting time at Beaumont Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42696/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the current average waiting time for patients waiting to be treated in Beaumont Hospital accident and emergency; the steps being taken to reduce the waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42697/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 197 to 199, inclusive, together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
200. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the average waiting times for processing of new medical card applications for applicants from County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42754/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE collates data on a national level in relation to waiting times, and not at a lower level.
The Primary Care Reimbursement Service aims to process all complete medical card applications within 15 days and is currently processing 94.5% of applications within that time frame.
The length of time that it takes for a client to receive a decision on their medical card application depends on whether the client submitted a complete application, and if not, how quickly the applicant responds to the subsequent request for additional information. Applications that remain in process outside of the 15 day period, due to incomplete applications and where the applicant is engaging with the process, are facilitated so that eligibility may be retained in the interim and, once the documentation received, their assessment is prioritised without delay. This process applies to renewal applications also.
If a person is a new applicant presenting with an urgent medical need or an urgent medical need in respect of their dependant(s), the HSE will facilitate a prioritised assessment of eligibility once the applicant has provided all the information necessary.
