Dáil Éireann - Volume 575 - 20 November, 2003

Written Answers. - Hospital Charges.

Mr. R. Bruton Mr. R. Bruton

  156. Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has made provision in the 2004 Estimates to increase charges for casualty attendance, for in-stay in a public ward and for in-stay in a private, semi-private bed and for day attendance in public hospitals and the former; and the proposed levels in each case. [27947/03]

Mr. Martin Mr. Martin

  Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):Increases in charges for in-patient services and attendance at accident and emergency departments, from which medical card holders are exempt, will take effect from 1 January 2004. The public hospital statutory in-patient bed charge will be increased by €5 to €45 per night, subject to a maximum payment of €450 in any 12 consecutive months. Attendance at accident and emergency departments is subject to a charge if the patient does not have a letter of referral from a general practitioner. This charge, which applies only to the first visit in any episode of care, will be increased by €5 to €45. In addition to the above statutory charges, the charge for private or semi-private accommodation in a public hospital will increase by 15% from 1 January next. The new charges are as follows:

Dáil Éireann 575 Written Answers. Hospital Charges.

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