Health Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 April 2011

Tuesday, 12 April 2011

Ceisteanna (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

38 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the impact the changes in funding will make to hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7558/11]

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

44 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will commence the promised delivery of free primary health care for all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7538/11]

John Browne

Ceist:

49 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health and Children when the promised White Paper on universal health insurance will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7522/11]

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

55 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that general practitioners in the Dutch health system see 70 patients a day and that GPs receive nine euro per visit under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7526/11]

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

59 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to turn public hospitals into not for profit independent trusts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7520/11]

Niall Collins

Ceist:

72 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has met with representatives from the Irish medical organisations with a view to rolling out universal health insurance; and if so, if he has discussed the amount general practitioners would receive per patient visit. [7528/11]

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

370 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to change the funding models for hospitals as per his press comments of 24 March 2011 and the way this change will affect district and community hospitals around the country. [7350/11]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy James Reilly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 44, 49, 55, 59, 72 and 370 together.

The Government is embarking on a major reform programme for the health system. The aim of this reform process is to deliver a single-tier health service that will deliver equal access to care based on need, not income. There are three key elements in the reform process.

The first involves significant strengthening of primary care services to deliver universal primary care with removal of cost as a barrier to access for patients. This commitment will be achieved on a phased basis to allow for the recruitment of additional doctors, nurses and other primary care professionals.

The second area to be addressed involves the reform of the acute hospital sector and this will be achieved in parallel to the development of the primary care sector. We have committed to tackling the issue of waiting times and waiting lists by introducing new initiatives such as the Special Delivery Unit. We will also introduce a "Money Follows the Patient" funding system for hospitals. This is a more efficient financing mechanism than the current block grant funding allocations. We will also introduce a purchaser/provider split in the hospital sector by establishing hospitals as independent not for profit trusts.

Once the key building blocks, such as a strengthened primary care system and "Money Follows the Patient" funding, have been put in place, the health sector will be ready for the final part of the reform process. This involves introducing a new universal health insurance system. This system will give patients a choice of insurer and will guarantee that every citizen has equal access to a comprehensive range of curative services, including both primary and hospital care.

The Government is committed to implementing a comprehensive programme of health reform. The detailed implementation arrangements will be subject to careful examination and I intend to consult widely throughout this process. The Government has set clear goals for the health service, namely:

a universal health care system with access based upon need,

more care delivered locally through strengthened primary care, and

greater transparency and incentives regarding performance.

I believe these goals can command widespread support within our health service based upon their connection to the values and professionalism of those who work in the health service. I will be communicating on an ongoing basis as the detailed arrangements for examination and implementation of key reforms are progressed. This will include the publication of a White Paper on the Financing of Universal Health Insurance, as set out in the Programme for Government. The process of policy development and implementation will include issues raised by Deputies, such as the financing of GP services and district and community nursing hospitals. Finally, I refer to Deputy Kelleher’s question on the Dutch system. Firstly, I understand that GPs in the Netherlands are paid on the basis of both an annual capitation fee and a fee per consultation in respect of each patient. Secondly, it should be noted that the design of health reforms will fully consider international best practice and this will include the achievements and learning associated with the Dutch reforms. However, any reforms implemented here will be designed to fit the Irish system and to obtain the best outcomes for Irish patients.