Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 248: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the communication of a diagnosis (details supplied) to a patient's family. [11017/09]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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I note in the case the Deputy refers to that the patient was elderly, their spouse had predeceased them and the diagnosis was dementia. In such cases there would normally be another person who would have been assigned as the patients next of kin. In general, this is the person the doctors would talk to in relation to the patients diagnosis and prognosis. This person would then inform any other relevant persons, including family members. The doctor and his or her team, as a matter of good practice, would meet with other family members if requested to do so. This issue is amongst the many that will be considered in greater detail when the Department is formulating a policy on dementia, the scoping of which will commence later this year.