Currently in Ireland, people have a range of options to access publicly-funded healthcare, including attending a GP during office hours; calling GP out-of-hours services; calling 112/999 emergency ambulance services; self-presenting at an Injury Unit; or self-presenting at an Emergency Department (ED). People also have the option to visit a community pharmacy where they can obtain advice and or be redirected to other primary care or urgent care services.
When primary care services and Injury Units cannot be readily accessed, people with acute, non-urgent care needs who are unwilling or unable to wait either go to an ED or call 112 or 999 for an emergency ambulance in order to access healthcare. This has contributed to an increased burden on emergency services and EDs. Additionally, there may be people who require care in the ED, but who defer attending as they do not think this level of care is necessary or because they expect long waiting times. Provision of an alternative telephone pathway is intended to support the timely provision of care in the most appropriate setting.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) requested that HIQA complete a health technology assessment (HTA) to inform a decision on the provision of an alternative telephone pathway for acute, non-urgent medical care needs in the pre-hospital setting. A draft report describing the results of the assessment is being made available for public consultation prior to being finalised.