Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has contacted the HSE regarding the centralised processing of medical cards and GP visit cards. In its response, the HSE have confirmed that its 2009 Service Plan will see these services being centrally processed at the Primary Care Reimbursement Services in Finglas. However, the response also stated that the HSE will not close any local offices that currently process medical card applications and will continue to provide information and assistance to clients about their entitlements. Nonetheless, this will involve a reassignment of existing human resources within the HSE.
“I have contacted the Health Service Executive in order to clarify their exact plans in relation to medical card services in Mayo,” said Deputy Kenny. “While it is important that facilities will be retained locally, I have been contacted by constituents who are worried about having their applications processed centrally. There has been a significant amount of anxiety around the issue of medical cards over the past year and this is only adding to those anxieties. There is also the issue of staff working locally being reassigned, which also must be considered as they too are concerned about their employment and every effort should be made to ensure an agreeable outcome.”
