Dr. Tony Cox:

The Deputy stated she does not feel a 24-hour helpline is entirely necessary, and Deputy O'Connell suggested it probably will not be necessary, but if we want a quality service centred on giving patients the best and safest quality care, avoiding the situation detailed in the Scally report where patients were let down by their doctors, we do not want a situation where they may be embarrassed about going to a particular provider who finds it difficult to address their concerns. A 24-hour helpline would certainly signpost them to somebody who will be available, willing and more than happy to help them with their crisis situation.

If doctors provided the service, it would not be necessary.