Ivor Callely
Ceist:105 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the likely changes in the general medical services scheme over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9664/97]
Written Answers. - General Medical Services.
, Limerick East): The broad aim of developments in the general medical services over the next three years and beyond is to ensure that both the general practitioner and community pharmacy services are better organised and supported in fulfilling a more integrated role within the overall health care system in order to deliver a service consistent with the principles, set out in the health strategy, of equity, quality of service and accountability.
Developments in general practice have included the establishment of general practice units in each health board and the upgrading of practice premises and equipment. Over the next three years, the focus will be on developing, within a general practice setting, a number of services, including services for the elderly, physiotherapy, dietetics, counselling and social work support, services for cancer patients linked to palliative care, women's health and services for the travelling community.
The traditional approach to the delivery of certain health services has seen heavy demands on hospital services and a less efficient use of resources. There is scope for general practitioners to undertake procedures which could be provided in a primary care setting but which have traditionally been available only in hospitals. The implementation of the policy, set out in the health strategy, includes the development of improved links between general practitioners and their consultant colleagues so that both groups are facilitated in delivering their respective services as effectively as possible.
A new agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union on the provision of community pharmacy services under the Health Act was introduced in 1996. This agreement comprised a package of measures, including a new format of the pharmacist's contract incorporating an emphasis on the professional role of the pharmacist and the establishment of new standards in the quality of community pharmacy services delivered to patients. The agreement also provides for the introduction of appropriate accountability arrangements in the operation of the community drugs schemes, more effective arrangements for dispensing high-tech drugs, the regulation of the granting of pharmacy contracts in accordance with public health criteria, support for community pharmacists to maintain and update their professional skills through continuing education courses, funding for upgrading of equipment, including telematic linkages with health boards and the GMS (Payments) Board and a series of measures designed to improve communications between health boards and community pharmacists.
Most of the elements of the new agreement are already in place and my Department is proceeding with the implementation of the remaining measures, such as the development of continuing education programmes and the implementation of the information technology aspects of the agreement.
The overall direction of the general medical services which I have outlined above will be reflected in any development of the scheme over the next three years.