Vol. 448 No. 2
68 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health the number of model general practitioner centres to be developed in the Eastern region; the amount of money to be allocated by the Eastern Health Board to each of these projects; the timescale envisaged for the opening of these new model general practitioner centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1789/95]
Limerick East): The development of general practitioner services is an important element of the national health strategy. The strategy identifies the fragmentation of general practice as a major weakness which, as a result, makes it both difficult and costly to improve services and to integrate general practice with other health services. In order to address such deficiencies, the strategy contains a plan for improving the organisation of general practitioner services through the development of group practices, amalgamated practices or co-operative type arrangements between general practitioners. As part of the implementation of the strategy, my Department has requested health boards to give priority to the reorganisation of general practitioner services to meet the twin objectives of improving patient care and enhancing the quality of general practice.
The implementation of such developments in the Eastern region is a matter for the Eastern Health Board. The board, in consultation with general practitioners locally, intends to bring about improvements in general practitioner services, including organisational improvements, which are in line with the strategy. In that regard, the board has invited proposals from general practitioners who are interested in organising and developing their practices in accordance with the objectives outlined above.
I understand that the Eastern Health Board has, to date, approved six projects for funding. Discussions are being held with a further three groups of doctors on the development of additional projects. While the precise level of funding for approved projects has not been finalised, the board has approved in principle the allocation of grants totalling £0.58 million in respect of the following projects: West Tallaght: Two projects, £150,000 and £100,000 respectively; North Clondalkin: £100,000; South Inner City: £150,000; Bray: £40,000; Dún Laoghaire: £40,000.
