Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 April 2023
17. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he and his Department have identified blockages in the delivery of health services in order to ensure a seamless access to health services, including accident and emergencies, GPs and all public health services without restriction; the action(s) already taken in this regard; the anticipated remedial effect(s); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18530/23]
View answer19. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor, assess and remedy any shortcomings in the delivery of health services whether in regard to access to home care, general medical services, capacity requirements in whatever area, with a view to resolution in the short term in order to make the health services in this country a more attractive place to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18531/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 19 together.
A top priority for Government is to increase access to health services. The record growth in the health budget over successive budgets coupled with the expansion of the workforce is evidence of this commitment.
We are delivering this increased access through an unprecedented expansion in the capacity of our public health service in parallel with significant healthcare reforms.
The Deputy will know, from the Programme for Government and Sláintecare, that this Government is focused on the need to increase capacity across our health service and we are addressing this in a comprehensive way across all of our services.
Specific initiatives developed to enhance access to health services include increases in bed capacity, the implementation of the Waiting List Action Plan, the development of a three-year urgent and emergency care improvement programme, increasing home-care hours through enhanced investment and initiatives to support and increase numbers of GPs.
I have also deployed HSE Specialist teams to implement solutions in hospitals where there are issues impacting on access to services.
These actions are taking place in parallel with changes to the way health services are provided. These changes include the reform of Primary Care services through the Enhanced Community Care Programme, the establishment of Regional Health Areas and the implementation of the public-only consultant contract.
One of the key factors in increasing access is the continued growth and development of our workforce. Thanks to successive large increases in the health budget there are 19,369 more people working in our health service than there were at the beginning of 2020. This is an increase of 16%. A priority in the HSE is to attract and retain essential talent to meet the needs of our health service now and in the future.
