Penalised For "Not Getting Sick": Local Faces GP Lockout Over Lack of Visits

Tuesday, 5 November 2024 10:34

By Martin Osborne

The local has expressed frustration, questioning why they weren’t notified and feeling penalised for "not getting sick."

Residents are being urged to reconnect with their local GP practice if they haven't attended an appointment in recent years, following an incident that raised concerns about re-registration policies.

A local, who had not visited their GP in five years, was told to re-register due to inactivity.

The local has expressed frustration, questioning why they weren’t notified saying they feel "penalised" for not getting sick.

Offering advice to locals, Dr. Brendan O'Shea, a GP based in Newbridge, explained that it is unusual for someone to go five years without seeing their GP, though similar situations do arise.

He noted that some patients may temporarily move abroad or switch practices, which can lead to re-registration challenges when they attempt to reconnect with their former GP.

Dr. O'Shea said a lack of GPs is a "well-recognised hazard" in healthcare, with access issues varying based on whether patients are private or use medical cards.

Under current policies, if a medical card holder is rejected by three practices, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is supposed to assign them to a GP.

However, O'Shea remarked that this is often seen as an "Irish solution to an Irish problem".

Dr. O'Shea also cautioned against relying on out-of-hours services like KDOC, which are meant for urgent care rather than providing the "continuity" needed for long-term health management.

For patients who have been absent from GP care, O'Shea advised sending a letter to the practice manager, explaining their circumstances, to potentially avoid having to re-register.