Doctors not consulted over free GP care plan

Failure by the health minister to consult family doctors before unveiling proposals to extend free GP care to young children has been described as “extraordinary”.

The Irish Medical Organisation, the union representing the country’s 2,000 GPs, said it was seriously concerned not to have been contacted on what would be a major change in the way GP services operate.

Relations between GPs and the Government are already at an all-time low because of pending further cuts to professional fees paid to doctors.