Confusion as HSE informs GPs of ban on X-ray referrals

THE HSE has caused widespread confusion among GPs after it wrongly told them it was banning all future X-ray referrals to Cork University Hospital due to the budget crisis.

In correspondence sent to GPs on Wednesday, the HSE South said the major facility will refuse to accept any more referrals for issues such as limb breaks, ultra- sounds and bone density tests until at least the end of this year.

The letter, seen by the Irish Examiner, specifically said the move will be implemented from today and is the direct result of widespread HSE cutbacks.