Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2012
619 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of his plans for the delivery of primary care; if he envisages a greater role for screening and identification of high-risk patients; how he plans to achieve this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5210/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to introducing a better and more efficient health system, a single-tier health service that will deliver equal access to care based on need, not income. The development of primary care services is an essential component of the health service reform process. In a developed primary care system, up to 95 per cent of people's day-to-day health and social care needs can be met in the primary care setting.
Primary Care Teams are being developed, which will give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and others. Additional services such as Speech and Language Therapy may be provided on a sessional basis. There are currently 425 Primary Care Teams in place, albeit at varying stages of development. The HSE has committed in its Service Plan to having 489 operational teams in place by the end of this year.
Each Primary Care Team will be supported by a wider range of professionals, including pharmacists, dieticians, psychologists and chiropodists who will form a Health and Social Care Network. The vast majority of specialist based services will be organised at this level, e.g. Mental Health Community Team, Child Protection, etc.
Primary Care Teams will also create an environment which enables, structured approaches to chronic disease management, enhanced multi-disciplinary team working, improved diagnostic capabilities in Primary Care and the integration of services between primary and secondary care. The HSE Service Plan also commits the HSE to commencing a national roll out of chronic disease management for diabetes during 2012 and that it will also progress preparations for the roll out of similar initiatives in relation to other chronic diseases, including stroke, asthma and heart failure.
A key commitment in the Programme for Government and a fundamental element in the health reform process involves 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. Access to primary care without fees will be extended on a phased basis over the life of this Government. Initially, free GP cover will be extended to persons in receipt of drugs and medicines under the Long-Term Illness Scheme. Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. It is expected that the new arrangements will be in place by this Summer. I have established the Universal Primary Care Project Team, which has been tasked with working through the issues relating to this commitment. The Project Team held its first meeting on 24 January.
A further element of the reform process will see the appointment of a number of directors at national level within the HSE, one of which will have responsibility for Primary Care. This will reflect the need for greater operational management focus on the delivery of key services; and greater transparency about funding, service delivery and accountability.
I will also ensure that a ring-fenced primary care budget is put in place. This will facilitate people in receiving a comprehensive health service in the community, which will in turn facilitate earlier identification of conditions and will give people a much better chance of recovery.
620 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the measures that are being taken by him to ensure that primary care equipment is fit for purpose, regularly serviced and correctly calibrated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5212/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive procurement division is responsible for coordinating the equipping of all capital projects, including primary care centres. The HSE has established multi-disciplinary evaluation teams to assist in specifying equipment requirements in ensuring compliance with all appropriate standards and to assist in the evaluation of tenders received for equipment. This ensures that all equipment purchased is fit for purpose and procured at the most economical terms. The HSE has a Medical Devices/Equipment Management Policy to ensure the medical devices/equipment are managed in a way which complies with requirements of regulations and best practice. The policy is available to view on the HSE website at www.hse.ie.
