Madam, – Sean Byrne, economics lecturer, DIT, refers to what he terms the high cost of health care and especially that in general practice (HEALTHplus, June 22nd). It would seem there is little competition between economists to write quality articles. The rehash of ancient rants is not of value to the serious problem most patients feel, that of access and quality of care.
In general practice in the Republic over 90 per cent of patients (be they GMS or private patients) can visit the doctor of their choice, on the day and time of their choice. The vast majority of surgeries have extra ancillary staff, backing up the huge array of diagnostic services.
Cheap does not always equate to quality. The cost of running a practice comes from all gross income and the doctor’s income is net – some economists find this hard to grasp. General practice in this country can hold its head high worldwide in terms of equality, quality, quantity and value for money. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – The article by Sean Byrne (HEALTHplus, June 22nd) perfectly presents one of the major problems in our health system: the restrictive practices operated by elements of the medical profession, “the gatekeepers of the system”, thus controlling the availability of services and maximising their incomes.
As well as causing bottlenecks and sucking up scarce cash, their behaviour guarantees the inefficient use of other resources, most obviously beds. It would be interesting to hear the responses of the representatives of consultants and general practitioners to Mr Byrne’s article. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – It really angers me to see headlines such as “€500 million paid out to GP practices” (HEALTHplus, June 15th). Once again, the top 10 earners are listed (with no breakdown of the number of employees – doctors, nurses and administration who need to get paid in these practices). I can only speak from my own experience as a Dublin-based GP, but State payments to my practice have reduced by 30 per cent in this last year.
When I see such articles I fear for further cuts. In the past, the HSE has hardened public opinion towards GPs with details of large practice payments. The HSE has a long-term policy of moving many outpatient hospital services to the community to reduce costs and improve the experience of patients. If cuts continue at this pace, very few GPs will be able to afford to continue in practice. Surely a case of throwing the baby out with the bath water? – Yours, etc,