Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
329. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the progress to date of the strategic taskforce on general practice; when he expects the taskforce to publish its conclusions; to set out the groups and individuals contacted to date in the work of the taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18604/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health and the HSE commenced the Strategic Review of General Practice last year and the review is currently underway. With input from key stakeholders, the review is examining a range of issues affecting general practice including GP training, GP capacity, Out of Hours services reform, the eHealth Agenda, and the financial support model for general practice. The Review will then identify the arrangements necessary to improve the current system of GP care as part of a primary care-focused health service.
Further to external stakeholder engagement with the IMO and the ICGP, the Strategic Review has also engaged with, and received submissions from, the following organisations: the IMNO (Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation), Nursing Homes Ireland, the AUDGPI (Association of University Departments of General Practice in Ireland), the IGPNEA (Irish General Practice Nurses Educational Association), the ICGP NEGs (Network of Establishing GPs) Group, Deep End Ireland, the IAANMP (Irish Association of Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioners) and GP ANP (Advance Nurse Practitioner) Ireland group. Further individuals and groups may be contacted or provide submissions prior to the Review's completion.
The review is to be completed this year. Following its completion, a report is to be presented to me outlining the findings of the review and setting out recommended actions for a more sustainable general practice.
