Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2015
136. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 201 of 12 March 2015, when it is envisaged that a patient (details supplied) in County Clare will undergo a procedure, in view of the fact that the person has been classified as an urgent clinical priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17957/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my answer of 5 March and 12 March and to the response issued by the HSE on 10 March, which noted that the hospital concerned has a policy for the management of scheduled inpatient care based on clinical prioritisation as indicated by the admitting Consultant specialist at the time of consultation. This is in line with HSE best practice. I also note that the HSE has highlighted that, depending on the specialty involved, the inpatient waiting time can vary and can also be impacted by unscheduled care, which is emergency driven and unpredictable in nature.
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
