Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming in to take the matter of the potential provision of a primary health care facility in Portumna, County Galway. Primary health care is the way forward in the delivery of essential health services. These services are imperative to the people living in and around Portumna and its hinterland. Such a facility would provide a wide range of services essential for the well-being of members of the community to include the promotion of health and screening, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation as well as personal social services. They are particularly attractive as a concept in that they are fully accessible by way of self-referral and operating as a one-stop shop.

Under the one roof, general practitioners, public health nurses, general nurses, social workers, community mental health nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists and occupational therapists will deliver such services. However, it must be recognised that the health system which serves the country is not fully integrated and we must try to achieve such a system within the term of the Government as committed to in the programme for Government.

I am aware from meeting interested parties recently that permission for a primary health care centre was approved by planners in Galway County Council some time ago and, as such, this is a ready to go site. I am also informed that the said facility was one that was to be prioritised under the previous Government but this never came to fruition during that time. We need better health for everyone in every community. That is why I ask the Minister to outline the plans as the health strategy should aim to deliver improvements in the personal experiences of many thousands of individuals who avail of health services every day. However, while I acknowledge that there is a list of centres approved throughout the country, I seek a commitment from the Department on the provision of such an important medical facility in Portumna within the lifetime of the Government. To that end I request that the necessary arrangements be made in the capital budget to bring such a facility to Portumna during the term of the Government.