Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
873. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to fears that the utilisation of general practitioners to roll out the Covid-19 vaccine will have a detrimental impact on an already overstretched general practitioner service nationwide; the measures he plans to take to alleviate these fears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11618/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to acknowledge the vital role played by GPs throughout the COVID crisis, both in relation to COVID and non-COVID care. The demands on our health services, including general practice, have never been greater. In order to support general practice as an essential component of the effort to combat COVID-19, the Government has provided a range of support payments to GPs to help maintain regular essential services, and for the provision of COVID-19-related services without charge to the public. In addition, in recognition of the disruption to business and need for the continuance of GP Out of Hours services, the HSE is also providing grants to support the Out of Hours Co-ops.
Given their experience in effectively running national vaccination programmes, GPs will play a central role in the vaccination against COVID. The COVID-19 vaccination programme will involve national partnership with GPs, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals across Ireland, as well as specialist vaccination hubs.
As part of the national vaccination campaign, GPs and pharmacists will provide COVID-19 vaccination on behalf of the HSE to specified cohorts of the population. GPs and pharmacists are being asked to provide a proactive vaccination service which will require dedicated vaccination clinics while also maintaining regular services. Both the IMO and the IPU have expressed strong support for and commitment to participation in the National Vaccination Plan.
The fees payable to GPs and pharmacists for the administration of vaccines against COVID-19 are intended to include the full costs of scheduling and administering the vaccine and cover not only GP pay, but also the additional payments to practice nurses and practice administrators who will be involved in providing vaccinations outside of normal clinic hours, as well as the additional costs of cleaning surgeries. It is also important to recall that the diagnosis and treatment of COVID patients has in itself placed a significant burden on GP practices across the country, and the vaccination campaign is an essential element of reducing that burden on general practice.
