Vol. 566 No. 1
499 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding which has been made available for a primary care project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the position regarding same; and when the detailed implementation of the project will commence. [12079/03]
In 2002 I approved the development of the primary care implementation project in question under the primary care strategy. Funding is being provided to enable a number of additional staff to be appointed in order to establish a primary care team, which will include general practitioners, nurses-midwives, health care assistants, home helps, an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, a social worker and administrative personnel.
In 2002 the following funding was provided: revenue –€100,000; information and communications technology –€100,000; and minor capital –€135,000.
The Western Health Board has indicated that, since approval was given for this project, work has been under way to develop it. This has included consultation with the existing primary care providers in the area and a team development and training programme. The board has also indicated that structures have been put in place to manage the development of the project, involving local staff representation, community service county level and at regional level.
Additional revenue funding of €410,000 has been allocated for the continued development of the implementation project in 2003. My Department has indicated to the health board that this funding will be released on receipt of confirmation that the additional staff necessary to make up the primary care team have been appointed and that satisfactory progress has been made with the establishment of the project.
