Hospital Appointments Status

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 April 2017

Tuesday, 11 April 2017

Ceisteanna (503)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

503. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary will receive a hospital appointment; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin has returned referrals to South Tipperary General Hospital due to the fact that the waiting lists are too long; the steps he will take to address the rheumatology waiting lists in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17636/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.

The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case and service issues raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.