Processing headache for free GP care for under 6s

The HSE faces the headache of processing over a quarter of a million applications for free GP care for children under six by July.

Following a deal struck with doctors to offer the free visits, parents of some 270,000 children under six will have to register their children’s details online to qualify. However, confusion surrounds just what information will be required as proof of age.

The Department of Health confirmed yesterday that the HSE was planning to commence patient registration towards the end of next month “using an online facility” and that the public will be notified in advance of what is involved.