John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their attendance. I want to make a few points on GPs. I represent Dublin South West and there have been closures of GP practices through retirements and for other issues. I do not need an answer on it, but I want to get it on the record. Some of these GP practices served mature populations and seniors. It is very dislocating when that happens, as seniors are concerned about their files and access to their files, etc. It may not be something worth worrying about, having spoken to other GPs when they have taken them on; if there is an issue, they will put them through a raft of tests. I am confident about that.

In Templeogue, the only option for people on the general medical services, GMS, scheme was Nutgrove. It is a long way to travel. It is something to look at. A number of GPs are not taking over-70s, which creates challenges. This is going to happen. A number of GPs have retired, there have been bereavements and other issues that have caused a lot dislocation, particularly concerning patient files. It is a big issue for patients when a GP retires or their GP practice closes. They ask: "What happened my file?" or "Is it my file or the GP's file?" I would like to log that with Mr. Reid, along with the issue of not taking GMS patents aged over 70.

I would like a note on the primary care centre in Ballyboden. We fought for this. It took a decade to get this over the line. It is a spanking new facility. I do not think that GPs are in situthere. That is an issue. I would appreciate if I could get a note on that.

I would like to address my final question to both the Secretary General and the CEO. What is the percentage of unpaid hospital fees? They were abolished yesterday for everybody.