Judge reduces hospital bill

A judge yesterday rejected a hospital bill of £210 for three visits to its casualty unit. Acting Circuit Court President, Judge Diarmuid Sheridan, approved a £12,000 settlement for Jennifer Keenan (10), of Ballyfermot, Dublin, who was injured in a road accident. During the case he was told Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin, was demanding £210 payment for three visits to casualty. Mr Ray Farrell, counsel for the schoolgirl, said the bill had been "loaded" by the hospital. Normally the cost of a visit to casualty was only £10. Judge Sheridan said he would allow the hospital £30 and if it wanted more it could apply to him.