Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2020
818. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if his policy position and that of the HSE regarding the development of primary care centres will be clarified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26486/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of Primary Care Centres (PCCs) supports the shift from acute care to primary care which is a key priority for the Government and accords with the vision of a reformed health service set out in Sláintecare.
Both my Department and the HSE, which has the primary responsibility for both the provision and the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, are fully committed to the Sláintecare programme, and the development of PCCs will continue to be an important building block in enabling the vision of Sláintecare to become a reality. The centres provide a setting in which a wide range of health professionals can deliver better care, closer to people's homes in their local communities.
There are currently 135 PCCs operational throughout the country, with six of these having opened to date in 2020. A further eight are expected be completed before the end of the year. Approximately 64 further sites are at various stages of development from pre-planning to construction.
