asked the Minister for Health whether help will be given to medical practitioners and health authorities to establish and operate health centres with a view to providing an integrated health and social service in the community; if so, in what form; and what proportion of total health capital costs will be allocated towards providing and equipping health centres.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Centres.
47.
Health centres, as distinct from dispensary premises and depots, at which different forms of out-patient care are given, have been provided by health authorities throughout the country. Grants amounting to two-thirds of the cost were given from the Hospitals Trust Fund towards the capital costs involved and the annual operating costs attract the normal grant payable in respect of health services generally.
In the reorganisation of the general medical service, provision is expected to be made as regards suitable practice premises for participating doctors, including the use of health authority premises where appropriate. It is intended also to make provision for joint participation by doctors by way of group practice or otherwise. This kind of development will be encouraged where it would increase the effectiveness of the services from the point of view of patient and doctor.
I have already told the House that discussions with the profession regarding the reorganisation of this service are still in progress and that I shall announce the result of the discussions as soon as possible. Until the future pattern has become clearer, it would be premature to attempt to decide on a specific allocation of capital resources towards future accretions to the present number of health centres.