Sir, – I recently took part in Operation Transformation’s National Blood Pressure Day. I was concerned at the number of people who came to get their blood pressure done who are not taking their tablets regularly because of cost.
At the same time, I have just received a letter from Minister for Health James Reilly in reply to concerns I raised with him about the impact that the fives-and-under GP visit card might have on my workload and therefore the time I could give to some of my other patients, including those with complex physical or psychological problems.
His words were: “It is not possible to be definitive about the average increase in workload resulting from the introduction of this measure, however the increase in the total number of GP visits arising is expected to be low as parents already bring their children to their GP, as necessary, regardless of whether they have to pay”.
We know that controlling blood pressure prevents heart disease and stroke, yet the Government, despite promises, has rolled back on giving free healthcare to people with long-term illnesses. It has chosen instead to drive ahead with free healthcare to a group who in Mr Reilly’s own words “already visit the GP when they have to”.
I believe in removing barriers to healthcare, but this should first be prioritised for those for whom there is proven benefit. It has to be planned and resourced and there must be capacity before usage is increased. None of this has been done.
I came from practising in the UK. We are heading towards a system whereby patients will wait for a five- to eight-minute appointment with a stressed GP who refers more patients to hospital because he/she doesn’t have time to take a proper history and examine the patient, let alone address the person’s concerns or advise on health promotion. Is this really what the people in Ireland want? – Yours, etc,
Dr ELUNED LAWLOR,
Loughboy Medical Centre,
Archers Court, Kilkenny.