Vol. 510 No. 3
262 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to a pilot caredoc scheme introduced by the South Eastern Health Board; his views on the operation of the scheme to date; when this pilot scheme will be concluded and reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22299/99]
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 perspective. It is a one year pilot scheme and will run until June 1999.
I am satisfied that caredoc is providing a quality out of hours service. As the scheme is a pilot one, my Department and the South Eastern Health Board will continue to monitor it closely to enable a full evaluation of its operation.
