Ivor Callely
Ceist:244 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to encourage general practitioners to become involved in hospital accident and emergency departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Hospital Casualty Department Attendances.
I have no plans at this time to encourage general practitioners to become involved in hospital accident and emergency departments as suggested in the Deputy's question.
However, I am concerned at the level of attendances at hospital accident and emergency departments, many of which are for complaints which might otherwise be dealt with by a general practitioner. I am having the factors which are influencing the level of casualty attendances, such as the operation of the outpatient charge and the reluctance to use general practitioner services, examined to see what measures can be taken to improve the situation.