Ivor Callely
Question:202 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if he supports the view that GMS lists that come available due to a doctor retiring should be maintained as a GMS list and the patients not divided out to doctors in the region.
Written Answers. - General Medical Service.
The decision to fill a vacancy or to dissipate a GMS panel on the death or retirement of a participating general practitioner is a management function of the chief executive officer of a health board. In exercising this function a chief executive officer must ensure that patients have a proper level of access to general practitioner services and a reasonable degree of choice in selecting a general practitioner having due regard to the question of viability of practices in the area in question.
I am satisfied that these arrangements are operating satisfactorily and that each case is dealt with in the best interests of patient care and of overall service development.