Mr. Edward Mathews:

The committee is aware of our view in regard to a publicly delivered service in the future. Our view is that there would be no reason those practice nurses could not be brought within the public service and allowed the opportunity to benefit from the integrated team approach. There is a difficulty where a siloed individual is providing care. It is possible that, with agreement, such a person could be brought within the public service, thus leading to increased availability of the team approach, increased integration and access to the other professionals within the primary care service, including the ability to cross-refer. These people should be brought within the service to maximise integration within the transitionary phase. Otherwise, they will remain isolated where they are currently.