Dr. Gerard Sheehan:

I am from the Mater. I am an adult consultant. There is a variable level of awareness among general practitioners but the experience with Lyme disease in this country is relatively focal. Certainly in particular parts of the country, general practitioners are becoming increasingly aware of the early features of Lyme disease. If a general practitioner sees something that would raise the question of Lyme disease, the patient can readily be referred to a specialist centre within each hospital group where he or she may be seen by an infectious disease consultant. Alternatively, the general practitioner could telephone the hospital and talk to the registrar or consultant to get immediate advice.