Written answers
Tuesday, 29 November 2016
Department of Health
Hospital Procedures
John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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636. To ask the Minister for Health the reason an urgent operation on a person (details supplied) with chronic scoliosis was cancelled at the last minute; the reason the hospital showed no consideration for the person and their parent who had made extensive arrangements to be with their child; if the fact that the person has autism had anything to do with the decision; if he will ensure the hospital sets an early date for the operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37767/16]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved.
There is a National Waiting List Management Protocol in place which sets out a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment. Details of this are available on .
In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
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