Brendan Smith
Ceist:156. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide additional resources for primary care in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48532/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 16 November 2017
Ceisteanna (156)
Freagraí scríofa
The development of primary care is central to the Government's objective to deliver a high-quality, integrated and cost-effective health care system. The Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Healthcare also made significant recommendations in relation to shifting the model of healthcare towards a more comprehensive and accessible primary care service in order to deliver better care close to home in communities across the country.
The provision of a €25 million primary care development fund in Budget 2018 is evidence of this Government's continued investment in primary care. This funding has been allocated to enable a range of primary care initiatives to be progressed in 2018 which will focus on disease prevention and early intervention, particularly through the further development and expansion of GP services, community intervention teams and the recruitment of additional occupational therapy posts. Throughout 2018 there will also be a continued focus on the development of primary care centres and primary care teams.
The details of the 2018 Budget will be finalised with the HSE in the context of approval of its 2018 National Service Plan, which will also outline the total amount of funding for all services in 2018.