Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin:

I am a little concerned members might think the strategy is irrelevant. The strategy is working on the ground, however. For example, the restriction on GPs wishing to become contractors under the general medical services, GMS, has been abolished. A programme for the development of 20 primary care centres using public private partnerships, PPPs, has been established. The development of chronic disease management programmes is in train, particularly for the management of diabetes, which is at an advanced stage. There is obviously concern for stroke victims and we now have a programme which will deliver better outcomes and quality of life for them. When fully implemented, one life per week will be saved and disability will be avoided for three people per week. We have made progress with cystic fibrosis. We are developing new models of care and new ways of delivering care for patients in difficult economic circumstances. The restructuring of the hospitals in Galway and Limerick are significant pilot projects as we shape a more cost-effective health system. We are working with all of the professions to achieve more cost-effective prescribing and dispensing. We are asking all the excellent staff working in the HSE to come on this journey with the Department of Health so that we can achieve value for patients along with quality of care.