General Medical Services Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2013

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

Questions (84)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

84. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health his views on recent reports that citizens in possession of a medical card are finding it extremely difficult to access general medical services; his further views on whether some medical card holders are similarly finding it extremely difficult to switch doctors; if his attention has been drawn to any areas in which this is a particular problem; the steps he will take to tackle such occurrences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13740/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I have been advised by the HSE that there are instances where doctors may decline to take on extra patients due to the number of patients already on their General Medical Services (GMS) list. In cases where an eligible person is having difficulty accessing a General Practitioner's GMS list, they should contact either their HSE Local Health Office or the HSE's Central Medical Card Office, who will assist them in getting access to a GP in their area.

The HSE has also advised that it is unaware of any difficulties for medical card holders in relation to changing their "Doctor of Choice". However, if the Deputy wishes to provide information about a particular case, will arrange to have the matter investigated further.