KDoc out-of-hours GP delays
Deputy Ryan describes a sick child’s family waiting hours for KDoc and being unable to get an appointment. The Tánaiste apologises, says the service is usually good, and offers to follow it up with KDoc and the HSE if the family’s details are provided.
I wish to raise the state of KDoc and the out-of-hours GP service in Kildare. On Monday evening, a constituent phoned the helpline at 6 p.m. for a sick baby. She phoned six times and she was put hold between ten and 34 minutes before being cut off. She finally got an answer at 9:49 p.m. to be told that there were no appointments left and that she would have to go to her own GP the next morning. She expressed concern about her child, and she was told that she could go to an emergency department if she wanted. She rang KDoc in Carlow at 10 p.m., was answered straight away and she was given an appointment at 11.20 p.m. She was lucky that she could go, that she could give a relative’s address and that she could drive the 50-minute journey. Others may not be so lucky.
Will the Tánaiste please ensure that the right resources are directed towards the Kildare service?
We have heard people this morning talking about strep A and the concerns of parents.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I am sorry to hear about that lady's experience. I worked in KDoc in Naas once upon a time and it is a good service most of the time. Perhaps particular issues relating to staff or some other matters arose. If the Deputy passes the lady's details to my office, with her permission, we will follow it up with KDoc and the HSE.