Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2017
56. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the negotiations on a new general practitioner contract; when the negotiations are expected to be finalised; the substantive changes which the contract is expected to entail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48115/17]
View answerThe development of primary care is central to the Government's objective to deliver a high-quality, integrated and cost effective health service. The Programme for Government and Sláintecare commit to shifting the model of healthcare towards a more comprehensive and accessible primary care service in order to deliver better care close to home in communities across the country. The development of a new, modernised contract for the provision of general practitioner services will be a key element in facilitating this process.
The aim is to develop a contract which has a population health focus, providing in particular for health promotion and disease prevention and for the structured ongoing care of chronic conditions. A new contract should be flexible and be able to respond to the changing nature of the GP workforce. It should also include provisions in relation to service quality and standards, performance, accountability and transparency. This will be key in making general practice a more attractive career.
Since 2015, negotiations have resulted in a number of service developments including the provision of free GP care to under 6's and over 70's, the introduction of a Diabetes Cycle of Care for adult GMS patients with Type 2 Diabetes and enhanced supports for rural GPs. The next phase of discussions on a new GP contract is under way and officials from the Department of Health and the HSE meet with GP representatives on a regular basis.
I am hopeful that agreement can be reached with GP representatives in the coming months on service developments that can be introduced during 2018. This will be the start of a multi-annual change process that will enhance the role of primary care as the foundation of a more accessible and effective health service.
