David Cullinane
Ceist:1647. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of developing a structured care programme for general practice in women's health. [29881/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 14 June 2022
Ceisteanna (1647)
Freagraí scríofa
Exploring the potential for a structured life-course approach in primary care for all ages is a priority set out in the Women’s Health Action Plan. As a starting point, we will look at this idea through the lens of mid-life and older women. Action 7B of the Women's Health Action Plan has not yet commenced. Therefore, no cost benefit analysis of this measure is available from the Department at this time.
Funding was allocated through the Women's Health Fund in 2021 for a GP Clinical Lead in Women's Health. Dr. Ciara McCarthy is in post since March 2022. This post is funded for an initial 2-year period, at €97,379 per annum. The Clinical General Practice Lead in the areas of women’s health is carrying out a range of activities, including:
- Development of models of care, national guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOP), care pathways, decision support algorithms and performance metrics which can support integrated practice and comprehensive knowledge management and outcomes from new health pathways;
- Identification of the key areas for immediate and medium-term projects and address same through appropriate governance; and
- Liaison with colleagues in the Research Hub for General Practice to advocate for prioritisation and analysis of data relating to women's health programmes illustrating the impact of continuity of care for women and girls in primary care.