Covid-19 measures announced for people without a GP

The ICGP and IMO have announced measures for individuals who do not have a GP, but who may develop symptoms of Covid-19 and require GP assistance. 

In a joint announcement on 17 March, both organisations confirmed that GPs contacted by individuals not registered with their practice, and who have concerns about the onset of Covid-19 symptoms, would be facilitated. 

“General practice is the first point of contact for patients with symptoms and in these extraordinary challenging times GPs will facilitate those people who are not normally registered with the practice,” a statement from IMO President Dr Pádraig McGarry and ICGP President Dr Mary Favier outlined. 

“General practice has been dealing with a large volume of patient calls over the past week and we continue to ask people to be patient. 

“In most cases, you will be asked for your details and will then receive a call back, please do not make multiple calls to the practice.”

Following an agreement between the IMO, HSE and Department of Health officials on 16 March, all patients, public and private, will not be charged for Covid-19 telephone consultations and in-surgery respiratory assessments. 

“But you will need to provide details to your GP including name, address, date of birth, symptoms, underlying health conditions and PPSN, so please have all relevant details to hand before making the call,” the statement clarified. 

“Anyone with symptoms should immediately self-isolate and not wait to contact a GP.  Please stay at home, and stay separate from other household members.

“GPs, like all frontline healthcare workers, are dedicated and committed to the national efforts in relation to Covid- 19.  We are grateful for the public’s cooperation at this time, and we ask that you continue to be supportive and patient in the weeks ahead.”