Vol. 419 No. 6
79 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the present operation of weekend doctors' rotas; his views on whether this system allows for access to medical records by a doctor other than the patient's and whether this can on occasion lead to inadequate information being available to a doctor on duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the cover provided at week-ends by doctors who hold contracts under the General Medical Services scheme.
The contract between health boards and general practitioners for the provision of services to persons covered by medical cards requires general practitioners to make suitable arrangements for out-of-hours cover and the responsibility for the proper care of patients remains with the doctor who holds the contract.
I am aware that concern has been expressed about this issue, particularly in relation to cover provided in urban areas at week-ends, and in this regard I have asked management representatives to ensure that this matter is addressed in the context of the Review of the G.M.S. scheme which commenced recently.
I am concerned that the present position can give rise to the type of difficulties mentioned by the Deputy and I will ensure that all of the various options, such as greater use of group practices and the provision of cross cover by G.P.'s working in the same area, will be explored with a view to providing more effective cover at week-ends.
