Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 May 1995

Vol. 453 No. 5

Written Answers. - Health Care Centres.

Peadar Clohessy

Ceist:

48 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to establish well-equipped community-based primary health care centres, staffed by GPs, practice nurses, treatment nurses and other paramedics, which would treat many of the cases now presenting to hospital clinics and A & E departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9463/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): As the Deputy will be aware considerable investment has taken place in the development of general practice since the November 1992 General Medical Services Agreement with general practitioners. The development funds made available on foot of this agreement have been invested as follows; the upgrading and improvement of the fabric of practice premises and in diagnostic and treatment equipment, the recruitment of additional practice secretaries and practice nurses, the improvement of rota arrangements and out of hours cover, the upgrading of health centre accommodation used by GPs, the improvement of practice records systems by introduction of computerisation, support for continuing medical education of GPs, the provision of paramedical services such as physiotherapy, dietetics and the provision of additional services by GPs such as palliative care.

The general practice units in the health boards are also encouraging GPs in single handed and two handed practices to combine with other practices to form group practices. A group practice allows for greater efficiencies in terms of sharing of practice premises, cover arrangements, expensive medical/ diagnostic equipment, practice nurses, paramedical and secretarial services and because of its size can provide a more comprehensive range of services for patients. As part of this process a number of medical centres on the lines referred to by the Deputy are currently being planned.

In addition the Deputy will be aware that general practitioners in the GMS scheme provide surgery services in many health board health centres around the country. These centres also provide a focus for community services such as public health nursing, social work services and paramedical services such as speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy for a wide range of client groups. As part of the commitment to developing primary care services I will be allocating funding this year to health boards to allow for upgrading, refurbishment and the provision of new health centre premises.