Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
697. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health to confirm what training GPs have received in relation to long-Covid; who provided this training; and if it is not included in the training of new GPs. [33602/23]
View answerTo ensure that people who need care have access to it, the HSE has developed and is currently implementing a plan to provide Long Covid services nationally. The investment allocated to this service has trebled in 2023 to 6.6 million.
The Model of Care for Long Covid provides a framework for service delivery including care through GP services, community-led interventions and specialist consultant-led clinics. Many patients with symptoms of Long Covid are successfully managed by GPs through advice, education and self-management supports. For some patients however, further assessment and additional supports may be required.
Online resources for self-management of symptoms, and training for healthcare workers have been developed by the HSE. Most recently, in order to provide specific guidance to GPs, an update on the implementation of the Model of Care was published as an article in the March edition of the ICGP ‘Forum’ publication.
The European Commission has established a high-level informal network of expertise on Long COVID. This will bring together national experts to exchange countries’ experiences and best practices on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Long COVID patients across different countries. Ireland through the HSE, is participating in this Committee with the next meeting being held September.
