Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 June 2015
145. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners who are lost to natural wastage each year; his plans to stem this exodus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22641/15]
View answer147. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners he deems will be required each year for the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22643/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 147 together.
The HSE is currently engaged in medical workforce planning, which includes workforce planning for GPs. This work is being carried out within the HSE's National Doctor Training and Planning Unit where a medical workforce planning system is due to be completed and implemented shortly. The system will be based on a statistical model of supply and demand for medical specialists, which will be informed by expert stakeholders, population and medical workforce data. Both entrants into and exits from the workforce will be accounted for. Furthermore, a measure of patient need and the demand for medical specialist services will be determined and included in the statistical model. Medical workforce planning for General Practice is being prioritised in the development of workforce projections based on both the supply of GPs and the demand for GP services over the next 10 years.
In relation to GPs leaving the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme, it is envisaged that this will be considered as part of the current review of the GMS contract, which has already commenced.
Information about GPs who leave the GMS Scheme each year is a service matter; therefore, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
