Vol. 538 No. 1
163 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when the first phase of the general practice cardiovascular strategy will be launched; if negotiations between the participant groups have been finalised; and the additional staff and resources which will be made available to support the work of general practitioners involved in the strategy. [17357/01]
The first phase of the programme of structured care in general practice is expected to commence later this year. The initial 12 months of the programme is being called the first phase, as opposed to a pilot programme, to indicate that it is intended to further develop it in years to come, following an evaluation of the first phase. However, this is a large and complex undertaking and it will be important to learn as many lessons as possible from the first phase which can then be applied as the programme is expanded.
The evaluation of the first phase of the programme of structured care in general practice of patients with cardiovascular disease will permit more accurate quantification of the workload involved and the resources required to deliver the service. In addition, the progress evaluation will collect the views of all those involved, especially patients, GPs and practice nurses as to how the system can be improved before it is expanded. This evaluation will be carried out as part of the first phase and will permit the implementation of a more effective and efficient service to patients as the programme is further expanded. My Department will provide the manpower and monetary resources. A total of £2 million has been set aside nationally for this purpose in 2001.
164 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the extra resources which are to be made available to deal with stroke and its victims here. [17358/01]
165 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will respond to recent statements made by a person (details supplied) that stroke treatment is the Cinderella to the acute services; and the plans he has to rectify the situation. [17359/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.
Recently I met representatives of the Irish Heart Foundation's council on stroke regarding their proposals for the development of stroke units to provide patients with dedicated specialists in stroke care, an associated interdisciplinary team, appropriate diagnostic technology and a clearly defined continuum of care. I indicated that I was very interested in the proposals. I also requested that the council further develop and cost its proposals with a view to the establishment of a pilot programme in the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the Southern Health Board areas.
