HSE slammed for encouraging GP visits ‘for cuts and scrapes’

A tweet from the HSE advising parents to take their children to the GP for "cuts, scrapes and allergies" has been deleted after it caused uproar among doctors. With many GPs still claiming the free GP care for under sixes scheme is unworkable and will lead to extra visits (544 have yet to sign up), the ill-timed tweet was published alongside a drawing of some children playing hopscotch and the phrase: "Free GP care for the under-sixes. Hop to it!" The Health Service Executive quickly removed the offending tweet and apologised, saying it was "poorly thought out".

Poorly thought out wording on our previous tweet. Apologies. No offence or upset was intended.

— HSE Ireland (@HSElive) June 23, 2015

In a tweet, Wexford GP Grainne Pinaqui asked:

"Seriously @HSELive?! Are u actively trying to antagonise GPs. No respect for us. Watch for GP waiting lists."

Kildare GP Aifric Boylan added:

"So glad I've done my diploma in band aid application & scrape assessment. HSE sure know how to use GPs appropriately!"

Only 78 per cent of all doctors nationwide have signed up to the free GP care for under sixes scheme, leaving some families in black spot areas where take up is low facing long journeys to find a participating doctor.