John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

183. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the establishment of a general practitioner out-of-hours service for north County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39016/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am committed to the development of an improved GP out of hours service for North Wicklow which can provide the appropriate level of cover for the population of the area. The development of such a service will allow GPs to participate fully in the provision of an integrated healthcare system providing medical services that are appropriate, timely and effective, easily accessible and responsive to the needs of patients. 

This service is intended to cover the night time hours from Monday to Friday and 24 hour cover at weekends and public holidays, providing urgent general practitioner services to patients outside of normal surgery hours. The service will include initial triage and GP consultation at treatment centres or home visits as appropriate, in accordance with HIQA standards for Safer Better Healthcare.

The HSE expects the procurement process to identify a service provider to be finalised shortly and I have asked the Executive to provide the Deputy with an update on the establishment of the service.