Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. A robust testing referral pathway for GPs was put in place in the early days of the pandemic and it has proved a vital component of our overall testing pathway. Enhancements to the referral process have been made throughout the pandemic, including the extension to out-of-hours GP services and new IT systems were developed or modified. The GP community has been a key partner in our efforts to quickly identify and test suspect cases of Covid-19 and I would like to acknowledge the vital role it continues to play in the management of this disease.

The HSE is finalising a future service model for testing and tracing. This service model will aim to deliver a patient-centred, accessible, consistent and flexible service, and will take into account the evolving needs and future potential service demands in the context of Covid-19 surges in disease transmission. The process to develop this future service model is examining all aspects of the testing pathway.

As part of this process, the HSE is examining approaches adopted internationally and is considering a variety of options that can best deliver on the above aims of increasing accessibility, consistency and flexibility. As part of this work, I understand that the HSE is considering the merits of complementary referral pathways to those already in place in general practice and out-of-hours services to provide additional capacity within referral services. It is important to stress that these pathways would be additional to what is already in place and would not replace in any way the important service currently provided by general practice.

I understand that significant work has already been undertaken on the design of the future service model and engagement with key stakeholders is ongoing. It will be important that any complementary pathways are fully considered, including in relation to appropriate clinical governance arrangements. The Minister hopes to receive a final proposal from the HSE over the coming weeks.

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