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Dáil
‹ Questions on Proposed Legislation

Cancelled cancer operation in Cork

Summary

Deputy Moynihan raises the cancellation of a constituent’s life-threatening cancer operation because of bed pressures at Cork University Hospital. The Taoiseach asks him to provide the case details to the Health Minister for a factual explanation.

As regards the programme for Government and the commitment on health care, a serious issue has developed with a constituent of mine over the past 24 hours. The person was waiting nearly four months for a serious cancer operation only to be informed yesterday that the operation scheduled for today was now being stopped because of the beds crisis in Cork University Hospital. It is disgusting that this operation for a life-threatening condition has been cancelled. I have the facts of the case, but I do not want to name the family involved.

Under the programme for Government and following what our party leader, Deputy Micheál Martin, said on Leaders' Questions, the crisis in all hospitals is shocking. It is particularly so concerning this issue because what could be a life-saving operation was cancelled at 24 hours' notice. The information given to the family was that it was because of the beds crisis within Cork University Hospital.

Comment on this
Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

It is an issue. If Deputy Moynihan wants a detailed response as to why a life-saving operation was cancelled this morning, obviously it may well be because of bed management problems or due to something else within the medical team. I do not know.

Comment on this

A parliamentary question might help.

Comment on this
Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I suggest that if the Deputy gives the details to the Minister for Health, he will supply a factual answer. It does not answer the question, though, concerning the patient who needs this operation. I hope that when it happens, it will be a success for the person in question.

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