The implementation of the Primary Care Strategy is a priority for this Government. The objective is to develop services in the community which will give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and others. At the end of May 2013, some 418
primary care teams were in operation, holding clinical team meetings involving general practitioners and HSE staff. The 418 teams provide services for almost 4 million of the population with 2,472 HSE staff members and over 1,567 general practitioners participating. The HSE's 2013 National Service Plan commits to having 484 operational teams in place by the end of this year.