David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am interested in the hub-and-spoke model but also in getting the treatments to people as quickly as possible. The witnesses will be aware that there were statutory entitlements for those who contracted or were infected with hepatitis C through blood transfusions. There is a range of statutory medical supports there. One was the two-week rule whereby they would be seen by a specialist, and a rheumatologist in particular, within the first two weeks of seeking care. That is not happening. I have dealt with a lot of families over the last while and some of them have written to this committee. One of the groups, Transfusion Positive, has lobbied the committee on this issue as well. They are seeking access to audiology services, chiropody, physiotherapy, consultants, dental services, GP services and probably much more. These are statutory entitlements yet these people are not getting them. What chance then do others who do not have the same statutory entitlements have? Within that model Mr. Keane spoke about, how does he envisage the HSE can be better equipped to deal with those services? Are there capacity issues in some of these areas as well, specifically around some of those needs hepatitis C patients would have? It is not just about the model; it is also about timely access. The model is important but it is also about getting access. If those who have statutory entitlements are not getting access to services, that troubles me.