Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 617: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding a hospital appointment in respect of a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29279/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies - mainly the HSE and the NTPF. As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. 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 and hospital involved.