Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I, too, welcome the delegation. It is great to have this discussion. I read the presentation and want to understand more by asking one or two questions. First, Dr. Walley stated in his presentation that GP care is provided 24-7, 365 days a year. However, a continuum and continuity of care is very often provided by a different GP or an out-of-hours GP. I have lived in Belgium which has a system of more medical practices and they retain a person's file, thus providing a continuum of care. I have had some bad experiences where somebody was seen by a person who had no idea of the patient. I found the line "We deliver ... 24-7, 365 days a year" interesting and I want to understand more about the system.

Dr. Walley talked about being at full capacity, which I appreciate. What should be done to develop GP services? He said that one in eight GPs are 64 years or older. What steps can be put in place to encourage the development of a proper GP service? Dr. Walley continued by talking about investment in premises and that infrastructure "must be fit for purpose". Is the IMO looking for the State to bring GPs together? Perhaps everybody else knows that information. Is there a scheme to facilitate the infrastructural investment and where it is to come from? Is Dr. Walley talking about primary care centres? Does the IMO want greater involvement by GPs in that type of system? Dr. Walley's answers will inform me and help me understand more about the sector.

I love statistics but was impressed with Dr. Walley's statement that "GP services have a 97% patient satisfaction rate". What is the basis of that statistic? What were the patients satisfied with? We have often heard at this committee that everybody is very satisfied once they get the care, but problems can occur with access to care and getting answers. I am surprised the figure is so high. GPs do a fabulous job but many times people have been left seeking a prognosis or answer. GPs do not have a magic wand so cannot always answer their questions. I want to understand a little bit more about the 97% satisfaction rate.