Bernard Allen
Question:459 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the rural dispensing doctors scheme has still not been implemented. [24080/00]
Written Answers. - General Medical Services Scheme.
A major agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation was concluded last year on dispensing. The purpose of that agreement is to introduce new procedures and arrangements for dispensing doctors in the GMS scheme, including a wholly computerised records and management system. Given the nature and extent of the change, the date of 1 January 2001 was chosen for full implementation. The choice of that date had regard to the need to first develop the new software, then commence the pilot, then initiate training and, finally, roll out the new computerised systems. A new manual of best dispensing practice was also to be prepared.
A working group, comprising representatives from my Department, the GMS Payments Board and the IMO has been working to progress this project towards full implementation. However, the small size of the total dispensing market made the development of the relevant software unattractive to a number of commercial suppliers and this contributed to a delay in the pilots but this issue has now been resolved. Notwithstanding this, other preparatory work continues to progress towards full implementation, both nationally and at practice level, and accordingly those doctors participating in the new arrangements are being paid under the terms of the agreement.
The difficulty with the development of the software may see some slight slippage in the introduction of the wholly computerised procedures but that is only one aspect of the new arrangements and procedures which have generally progressed in a timely fashion.
Question No. 460 taken with Question No. 141.
Bernard Allen
Question:461 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that general practitioners are experiencing problems with staffing and that the development of information technology within general practice is threatened; and the steps he is taking to deal with this situation. [24082/00]
There are a range of financial incentives available under the GMS scheme to assist general practitioners to engage practice support staff. Many general practitioners have availed of these incentives to provide administrative and other supports within their practices. I am not aware that doctors have experienced particular problems with staffing and would take this opportunity to encourage then to use the available financial supports to meaningfully assist with the recruitment of the relevant staff.
On the specific issue of information technology and the general practitioner, the national general practice information technology group, established by my Department and having significant GP membership, launched this year the first ever national training programme in information technology for GMS scheme and non-GMS scheme general practitioners. The programme is being delivered for the group by the Irish College of General Practitioners.
The national GPIT group is also working on a number of other issues relating to information technology in general practice which are relevant not only to actual practice and clinical management but also to facilitating electronic exchanges between general practice and other healthcare areas. The group will continue to receive funding from my Department to support its work to make greater use of information technology in general practice a reality. Further, any recommendations on IT and general practice emerging from the review of general practitioner services currently being undertaken by the health boards will be carefully considered in the context of the overall structural development of general practice.
Question No. 462 taken with Question No. 115.