Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for a comprehensive report gathered at very short notice. This patient was a public patient. She was the holder of a medical card who went to her own general practitioner. She had no knowledge that she was being referred for a private consultation. She was quite happy to go to the UCHG or some other public hospital that would provide this particular scan. In the circumstances, I would request the Department to inform the people involved that whatever misunderstanding occurred, it was not the responsibility of my client and it is imposing undue hardship on her. It is also a warning to public patients being referred by their GPs to ensure they are informed that they are being sent for a private consultation in a public hospital. They should clarify that with their GPs. This discussion may be of assistance to other practitioners in the region.

I want to record that the services provided at Portiuncula Hospital are second to none. It is a terrific hospital working as a unit with Roscommon County Hospital and it is better to have this matter clarified publicly in the Seanad. I thank the Minister of State for his reply.