Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2021
698. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has a reserve of healthcare staff or professionals to assist with general practitioner clinics in instances of staff shortages or staffing emergencies arising from Covid-19; and if so, if he will provide details on such reserves. [57531/21]
View answerIt should be noted that GP practices are private practices and GPs are not employees of the HSE, as such the responsibility for staff resourcing rests with each individual practice. However, in recognition of the central role general practice plays in the delivery of healthcare, the HSE provides support to GPs to ensure continuity of service. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of GP support fees, as well as a grant payment for GP out of hour services providers, have been in place since March 2020.
Building on the experience of the pandemic, additional supports and resources were provided to general practice last winter, taking account of the heightened impact of the pandemic at the time. It is important that some of the most beneficial reforms and learning from the Covid-19 experience are maintained. In this context, it is envisaged that a more targeted approach will be required this year with a particular focus on how the surge in capacity over the winter period will bring pressure on single handed practices which may be impacted by illness or excessive demand. A range of appropriate measures will be required to ensure the continued provision of supports to local GPs services.
€10m has been provided to implement measures to support general practice in line with the approach outlined above, with the detailed arrangements currently being finalised in consultation with the Irish Medical Organisation on behalf of GPs.
