Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

One of the other challenges we face in the health service, particularly at weekends, is one I referenced at the start of the meeting. A young boy of eight who died recently was admitted to hospital but, unfortunately, the degree to which he had sepsis meant there was little the hospital could have done. I understand that he immediately went on life support when he was admitted to hospital. Access to doctors at weekends is a significant challenge for people. Are there enough processes in place for someone, particularly a child, who is unwell and is trying to get to a GP and does not want to go into an emergency department? Are the witnesses satisfied that there is enough information available to enable a parent to make a decision that this is far more serious than just going to the GP?