Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 30: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the consideration she has given to the follow up care for patients who present with acute symptoms at private hospitals for conditions that are chronic in nature such as rheumatoid arthritis; her proposals for such circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21131/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Decisions on the provision of hospital services to an individual in a private hospital are a matter for the hospital management. Any person can opt to be a private patient, and is then liable for the appropriate charge for private or semi-private treatment.

It is open to patients who receive treatment in a private hospital to seek appropriate follow-up services in the public system. If the private hospital has not already done so, patients are advised to contact their General Practitioner to determine the type of services required. If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, I will ask the HSE to have it examined.