Dr. Maitiú Ó Tuathail:

I believe the independent practitioner model works at the moment. We have no GP waiting list. The problem with the hospital is that there are loads of managers, but general practice is made up of just front-line staff. I believe the independent practitioner model needs to remain. Potentially in exceptional circumstances salaried GPs could be brought in. I believe the solution is to improve the terms and conditions for all so that independent contractors can work throughout the country. The jobs could be salaried and let in some more, but I do not think anybody would take them.

I do not believe the corporate model is a good idea. We should continue to work as independent practitioners. The increased popularity of the corporate model is a reflection of the fact that many GPs are struggling and, as the Chairman rightly describes, it provides them with a way out. While I cannot speak on behalf of all trainees, I personally feel we should continue with the current model of independent practitioners.

Deputy Kelleher asked if we thought our training would suffice in allowing us to manage chronic care. We are very well trained; we spend ten years in college. We can absolutely manage anything that can be thrown at us. We can manage all the chronic diseases we are required to manage, but not in its current guise. We need to be given access to the resources we need first and then the care can be transferred out. There is no urgency when these patients are being looked after in secondary care as is. We should focus and try to do it right for once. We should transfer the resources first and the patients afterwards. We are more than adequately skilled to be able to manage chronic care as per Sláintecare.