Ivor Callely
Question:151 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the role of general practitioners in the cardiovascular strategy; the benefits at primary care level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29042/00]
Written Answers. - General Practitioners Services.
The cardiovascular strategy report, Building Healthier Hearts, makes a number of recommendations for general practice in relation to that area playing a fuller role in the cardiovascular strategy. It proposes that a systematic approach be taken in primary care to the risk assessment, secondary prevention and ongoing management of those identified as being high risk. Primary care has benefited significantly from funding which has allowed a number of cardiovascular related initiatives and necessary infrastructural development in general practice to be undertaken.
It is proposed, during 2001, and subsequently, to develop and extend the cardiovascular capacity of general practice in line with the building healthier hearts programme, for example, a national pilot project for secondary prevention will commence in 2001.
In a more general sense, progress will be influenced, to some extent, by the findings in the recently completed review of general practitioner services carried out by the chief executive officers of the health boards, in particular their findings on the infrastructural issues surrounding general practice's ability to deliver particular services, including those identified in the cardiovascular report.