Vol. 401 No. 5
21 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent suggestion made in Consumer Choice of a patients' charter for general practitioners to improve patient/doctor relationships; if he will give consideration to the introduction of such a charter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the results of the survey carried out by Consumer Choice including the recommendation that a formal patients' charter be adopted by all medical practitioners.
As Minister for Health I have statutory responsibility for the provision of a general practitioner service to eligible persons. This service is provided by general practitioners who hold contracts with health boards under the General Medical Services scheme.
I am satisfied that the terms and conditions of the GMS contract provide adequately for the rights of patients in regard to the provision of general practitioner services which provides specifically for the following: services to be provided for patients; duties of general practitioners; availability of general practitioners; patients choice of doctor; non-discrimination in provision of services — as in private and public patients; no charge for services; right to complain and right to second opinion.
As the Deputy will be aware I have no such specific statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of general practitioner services to private patients. However, under the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978, responsibility for the registration and control of persons engaged in the practice of medicine is vested in the Medical Council established under that Act.
