Vol. 577 No. 5
133 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is documentary evidence available relating to a complaint made by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin against their then GP; the way in which this investigation was carried out and by whom; if there is a copy of said report available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31760/03]
The GMS contract permits participating general practitioners who no longer wish to provide services to particular patients to have these persons removed from their GMS panel by simply notifying the local health board, in writing, of their decision. They do not have to supply a reason for their decision.
The patient, subject of this and a number of similar Parliamentary Questions, complained to her local health board about her then general practitioner. Her case was examined by the central appeals office of the South-Western Area Health Board. She was advised and exhorted to choose an alternative general practitioner from the local list of contracted doctors. This step she herself must take in order to avail of, and access, the attendant benefits of a medical card holder.
The letter to the patient of 22 October 2001, from the A/Director of consumer services and appeals of the South-Western Area Health Board states pretty clearly the steps undertaken during the investigation of the complaint and advises her of the necessary steps to be taken.
