Vol. 415 No. 8
86 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health if his Department have examined or researched the effect of the out-patient charge in deterring patients from using local hospital services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Commission on Health Funding and the Dublin Hospital Initiative Group — that is the Kennedy Group — have both concluded that out-patient charges have a role to play in deterring patients from attending hospital casualty departments for treatment which would more appropriately be provided by their general practitioner. The £10 charge is structured so as to support that objective while avoiding any financial hardship. It applies only to the first visit in respect of any condition and there is no charge for medical card holders or for a number of other exempted categories of patient.
