Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
750 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason that difficulties are being experienced by the public in trying to get a general practitioner to visit a sick child at home in the greater Dublin area at weekends; and the plans he has to deal with this situation. [21391/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraGeneral practitioners who hold GMS contracts are obliged, under their contract, to make arrangements for appropriate care outside of normal surgery hours, including weekends and bank holidays, for their patients including domiciliary visits, either by themselves or another doctor acting on their behalf, in cases where the symptoms of the patient dictate that such a visit is warranted. However, the matter is one of clinical decision for the doctor involved.
In the case of the private general practitioner, the arrangements in place for the provision of out of hours cover for patients are a matter between the patient and the doctor concerned. Difficulties and concerns should be addressed with the doctor. The Department of Health and Children has no role in this relationship.
