Bernard Allen
Question:108 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give details of a pilot scheme in secondary prevention under the cardiovascular disease strategy to be implemented by general practitioners. [9367/01]
Written Answers. - Disease Prevention Strategies.
The cardiovascular health strategy, Building Healthier Hearts, made a number of recommendations on the role of general practitioners in the prevention of coronary heart disease. A programme of managed care of patients with cardiovascular disease has been identified as the priority recommendation, in line with the priorities of the task force of the European Cardiac Society on prevention in clinical practice. The sum of £2 million has been allocated in 2001 for the implementation of the first phase of such a programme. This will be evaluated so that future phases of the programme can learn from the experience gained in implementing this first phase.
A meeting to discuss the first phase of the programme of managed care in general practice was held in January of this year as part of the work of the advisory forum on cardiovascular health. A steering committee was established, with representatives of the health boards, the Irish College of General Practitioners and the Department of Health and Children. A sub-group has been working to agree the content of the programme and the arrangements for implementation by the health boards in association with the Irish College of General Practitioners. It is expected that a sample of general practitioners will be involved in each of the health boards, providing treatment and follow-up according to an agreed protocol. This will include advice about lifestyle and, where appropriate, medication to reduce the risk of heart attack or related diseases in the future. It is hoped to agree the protocol and put procedures in place for the first phase of the programme by the summer of this year. This phase will last for 12 months and will then be evaluated. When the protocol and procedures have been agreed for implementation in the summer, I will be in a position to provide more information on the details of the programme.