Wexford Patient Left in Limbo After GP Discontinuation Of Medical Card Holders

A Wexford man, who has been struggling with a number of serious health conditions, has called on the HSE for clarity and action after being left without a GP following his discharge from hospital. Jimmy, who suffers from COPD, coeliac disease and a host of other age-related health issues, found himself in a precarious situation after being discharged from hospital last Monday. He had been receiving care for his chronic conditions and was in the process of receiving his medications when he discovered that his long-time GP had stopped treating medical card patients. The doctor had reportedly transferred all patient files to the HSE, but Jimmy was left with no clear direction on where to seek further care or follow-up prescriptions. "I had no idea what to do," said Jimmy. "I was discharged from the hospital and when I went to the chemist to pick up my prescription, I found out I had no GP. What do I do now? Who do I call?" Jimmy, who lives with his wife—also in need of medical care—expressed frustration with the lack of communication from both his GP’s office and the HSE. "I understand the doctor has the right to make this decision, but the HSE should have contacted me long before I was left without a doctor," he said. "Now, I’m unsure where to go if I need follow-up care and I don’t know where my medical files are." The issue of patients being left without access to ongoing healthcare is becoming increasingly common, particularly in rural areas like Wexford. Jimmy’s case is just one example of the growing difficulties faced by elderly patients who rely on medical cards for care. Jimmy emphasized the confusion and concern felt by many, especially older patients like him. "I just want to know where to go for care," he said. "It’s not just about me; it’s about elderly people everywhere who are left in this position with no answers." Jimmy's plea is simple: he wants clarity on where his medical files have gone and a quicker process for those in similar situations to receive care. He added that his primary concern is not only for himself but also for his wife, who has her own underlying health issues. When approached by South East Radio for a comment the GP in question told us that he was working upto 80 hours per week and he had no choice but to let go his medical card patients. Those patients are now referrred back to the HSE. The HSE provided the following statement to South East Radio: "As discussed, where a General Medical Scheme (GMS) list (i.e. Medical Card and GP Visit Card holders) is being re-allocated from one General Practitioner (GP) practice to another, the HSE will write to each patient individually and appraise them of all relevant detail. I can confirm that such correspondence is being issued today as regards such a situation in the Wexford Town area. The HSE Live service can be contacted by members of the public that have a general question or are not sure who to contact in the HSE about something etc. The line can be contacted on Freephone (1800) 700 700 Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm or on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm (closed Sunday and bank holidays). See also  https://www2.hse.ie/contact/" (https://url41.mailanyone.net/scanner?m=1ve9rz-0000000026D-2pRy&d=4%7Cmail%2F90%2F1767954600%2F1ve9rz-0000000026D-2pRy%7Cin41g%7C57e1b682%7C24873547%7C11296957%7C6960DA679251DA5D5EF70309275C5D0B&o=%2Fphtw%3A%2Fwtsihw2%2Fe.e.s%2Ftcatnoc&s=_P-dIqO85-8ZwAv8V_7-2FgqcZg)