Vol. 491 No. 3
273 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason general practitioners do not have direct access for referral purposes to nursing units or district hospitals in the Western Health Board area which pertains in other health board areas in view of the consequences (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11695/98]
As the Deputy may be aware, admission to extended care facilities in the Western Health Board area is a matter for the board itself.
The Western Health Board has advised me that all four district hospitals in the board's area provide direct access for general practitioner admissions and this is very much encouraged by the board. Meetings are held regularly with general practitioners to develop and enhance this service.
With regard to the board's other extended care facilities, the board reports that it is not possible at the present time to give direct general practitioner access. However, the board has established multi-disciplinary admission committees and these committees meet weekly to facilitate admissions to health board extended care facilities. In this way, general practitioner referrals to the committee are dealt with speedily and in an equitable way. In addition, arrangements for respite care in each of the board's residential units may be made by arrangement with the unit's matron.
