Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
724. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to general practitioner practices local in primary care centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9497/20]
View answerThe development of Primary Care Centres (PCCs) is an important building block in enabling the vision of Sláintecare to become a reality. There are clearly recognised benefits in bringing healthcare professionals together to operate as a multi-disciplinary team, while the centres can also serve as a focal point for local health services and other community initiatives. Significant progress has been made in delivering PCCs in recent years, and there are now 130 centres operating across the country, with further projects at various stages of development. The HSE delivers PCCs under three models – direct build, Public Private Partnership and operational lease.
General Practitioners (GPs) are independent contractors who hold contracts for the provision of services to eligible members of the population for whom the HSE is responsible for making such services available. In keeping with this contract, they are required to provide practice premises and facilities that are fit for purpose, suitable for the delivery of the services and sufficient to meet the needs of patients. The GP also undertakes to work towards meeting and maintaining generally accepted standards in relation to practice premises. Part of the project brief of every PCC is the provision of suitable accommodation for GPs, which the HSE offers at attractive terms.
The Government acknowledges the important role of GPs in the delivery of our health service and is working to ensure patients across the country continue to have access to GP services and that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future. The Agreement reached in 2019 on GP contractual reforms and service developments will see an increase in expenditure on GP services of €210 million annually by 2023, providing significant increases in capitation fees for participating GPs as well as additional supports for rural practices and practices in urban areas of deprivation. New supports have also been introduced to assist GPs during the Covid-19 public health emergency.
