Ms Alana Ryan:

It is important to acknowledge the work done by the Start doctors on the ground on peer support and enabling more GPs to upskill and become part of the network. That has been an absolutely vital component of bringing more GPs on board. The WHO research also highlights that the HSE has been very good at being a direct contact for GPs for queries they may have and in providing assistance in a timely way.

The issue of coverage really comes down to some key points around the continued lack of safe access zones which we know is vital for giving GPs and hospital-based practitioners the assurance that if they stand up and deliver this care, they will be protected from harassment and abuse. GPs have also flagged to us that the issue around the maternity hospitals not providing the service in line with the law has a knock-on impact on primary care provision. We need to be thinking about fast-tracking appointments if there is a case of conscientious objection at the top, by the clinical lead, in a hospital so that a team can be in place to provide care and in doing so, give the signal to GPs in the local area that there is a referral pathway into a local maternity hospital. Without having that joined up network between primary and hospital-based care, the picture will not improve dramatically.