Mr. James Cosgrave:

If I could speak first as a referrer rather than a X-ray taker, the ability to refer is fundamental. In the event of a significant issue arising on an X-ray, it is important that the pathways are in place to ensure the patient gets to see the correct person, consultant or GP without delay. Great effort is taken to ensure that there is no delay in onward referral when indicated and hence I have never experienced a complaint arising as a result of non-referral. In terms of onward referral, I would have a good relationship with the other consultants my patients might require to see in the area.

Nonetheless, with 600,000 patient visits a year, somebody will be unhappy about something. That could be the patient who has been kept waiting or did not get better or the patient felt he or she got worse. I am not aware of complaints that have arisen specifically out of a delayed referral in anything to do with X-ray. In the event of an X-ray that is deemed to be non-diagnostic, for instance, which is what I think the Deputy is asking, any time there is an issue raised to the association, the association deals with it promptly and urgently, contacts the member involved and discusses the situation to find out what has happened and what is the source of the complaint.