Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 4

Written Answers. - Health Board Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

253 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department will investigate, as a matter of urgency, the national pilot scheme of CAREDOC operated by the South Eastern Health Board and funded by his Department to the amount of £180,000 over two years in view of the public lack of confidence in the service and the fact that large parts of the area serviced by the scheme have suffered a serious deterioration in the quality of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20712/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The pilot CAREDOC scheme, which is designed to provide a structured out of hours general practitioner service in County Carlow and surrounding areas, involves 26 general practitioners, and is being closely evaluated on an ongoing basis from the patient, health board and general practitioner perspectives.

So far 5,755 people have used the service which commenced on 8 June of this year. Question naires are forwarded on a random basis to every tenth CAREDOC patient user and based on replies received there is a 99 per cent satisfaction rating. The average response times for the CAREDOC service, to date, are as follows: less than 1 hour, 80 per cent; less than 1.5 hours, 9 per cent; less than 2 hours, 5 per cent; Over 2 hours, 6 per cent.

The majority of calls in the 2 hour category are based on an appointment basis, where arrangements have been made for the doctor to see patients at their local health centre.

I am aware that there is, at the moment, some public concern regarding the CAREDOC scheme following the publication of misleading anecdotal information. However, on the basis of investigation of same by the South-Eastern Health Board and based on the evidence currently available, I am satisfied that CAREDOC is providing a quality out of hours service. I would add that since the scheme is a pilot one my Department and the SEHB will continue to monitor it closely to enable a full evaluation of its operation.

Further, if the Deputy is aware of any individual who is unhappy with the service received, it would be extremely useful to have details outlining the nature of the problem encountered. Any complaints or criticisms of the service will be dealt with in a totally confidential manner.