Róisín Shortall
Ceist:189. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in progressing negotiations on a new general practitioners contract; and if he will undertake to expedite these. [31951/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 6 July 2017
Ceisteanna (189, 190)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:190. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the manner and timeframe for giving effect to the programme for Government commitment to provide for salaried general practitioners; and if he will expedite this matter in view of the shortage of general practitioners. [31952/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.
The development of primary care is central to the Government's objective to deliver a high-quality, integrated and cost effective health service. The Programme for Government commits to a decisive shift within the health service towards primary care in order to deliver better care close to home in communities across the country. The development of a new, modernised contract for the provision of general practitioner services will be a key element in facilitating this process.
The aim is to develop a contract which has a population health focus, providing in particular for health promotion and disease prevention and for the structured ongoing care of chronic conditions. A new contract should be flexible and be able to respond to the changing nature of the GP workforce. It should also include provisions in relation to service quality and standards, performance, accountability and transparency. I think this will be key in making general practice a more attractive career.
Since 2015, negotiations have resulted in a number of service developments including the provision of free GP care to under 6's and over 70's, the introduction of a Diabetes Cycle of Care for adult GMS patients with Type 2 Diabetes and enhanced supports for rural GPs. The next phase of discussions on a new GP contract commenced in January of this year. Officials from my Department and the HSE meet with GP representatives on a regular basis to discuss a wide range of issues. The option of salaried GPs for areas where it has proven difficult to attract and retain GP services is one of the issues I expect will be considered in this context.
I understand that the discussions taking place are wide ranging and definitely ambitious in their scope. I think it’s important to acknowledge that this will not be a straightforward process. There will no doubt be challenges ahead for all parties involved. I would hope that everyone will remain focused on our common goal of putting suitable new arrangements in place that will work for patients, GPs, and other health care providers in primary care. As with any negotiation-type process, and given the range and complexity of the issues to be discussed, the engagement may take some time. While I am of course anxious to see good progress made, it is not my intention to set a deadline for completion of discussions. I look forward to significant progress being made in the months ahead.
Question No. 191 answered with Question No. 158.