Sinn Féin TD for Kerry, Pa Daly, has welcomed a reversal of HSE policy regarding applicants for medical cards and GP provision.
Teachta Daly said that the HSE’s traditional policy was to assist medical card applicants who could not find a GP willing to take them on.
“After having received refusals from three separate GPs, the HSE would intervene and assign a GP to the applicant,” he said.
A Severe Disadvantage
“The HSE had confirmed to a pensioner returning from England that this policy had changed.
“This man was then left at a severe disadvantage in accessing supports, grants and housing.
“I submitted a Topical motion on the matter, which was responded to by Minister of State Mary Butler, on behalf of the government.
Initial Decision Reversed
“In her concluding remarks, the Minister of State confirmed yesterday that the initial decision had been reversed and the HSE would continue to provide assistance in these cases.
“Whilst this is welcome, further steps must be undertaken to protect access to medical card care. The Sláintecare recommendations in relation to GP care are particularly relevant and the old, sick and vulnerable people in Kerry and beyond would greatly benefit from their implementation,” said Teachta Daly in conclusion.
You can contact The Maine Valley Post on… Anyone in The Maine Valley Post catchment area who would like to send us news and captioned photographs for inclusion can send them to: jreidy@mainevalleypost.com Queries about advertising and any other matters regarding The Maine Valley Post can also be sent to that address or just ring: 087 23 59 467.
