Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Health if the eye unit in Limerick Regional Hospital is due to close on 11 July 2011; and if so the location at which a person (details supplied) will have their appointment [19036/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I have instructed the HSE not to withdraw any services from acute hospitals unless and until I receive a full briefing on the details of what is proposed, the alternative arrangements to be put in place, and the overall implications for patients.

The scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved. As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.