Removal of discretionary medical cards ‘indefensible’, says HSE official

A leading

HSE

executive has maintained that the recent removal of discretionary medical cards from some patients has been “indefensible”.

Speaking at the annual conference of the Irish College of General Practitioners in Galway on Saturday John Hennessy, the HSE's National Director of Primary Care said the handling of certain medical card renewal cases at present was indefensible and was the result of fragmentation within the organisation in certain cases between Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) and certain frontline services .

He acknowledged this was causing unnecessary levels of anxiety and frustration for certain families, particularly families dealing with serious disability.

Mr Hennessy said access to medical card cover was still subject to a means test as opposed to be provided on foot of a particular medical condition. He said applications were being dealt with in a uniform, consistent manner and in accordance with the legislation and published guidelines.

“However, the renewal process in certain cases involving profound disability requires a far more integrated process, involving local services as well as PCRS, and in a way that ensures all entitlements and health service supports, particularly non means-tested services such as supplies of medicines, equipment and other support services are maximised in each case.”

“Families at present can feel isolated and confused by the process – urgent measures are being taken to help ensure this does not arise in the future.”

Mr Hennessy said the expectation also was “ that this issue will be overtaken in time as universal access to GP services is introduced, commencing this year with children up to six years”.