Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 264: To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to integrate access to and use of blood results both in primary care and acute hospitals; the estimated saving of such a system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40098/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 265: To ask the Minister for Health if he has reviewed the report by the Irish College of General Practitioners, Primary Care Teams - A GP Perspective; his response to its conclusions and actions to be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40100/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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I welcome the recent report by the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), Primary Care Teams - A GP Perspective. A meeting is being arranged between the HSE and the ICGP to examine the report in detail and to explore how both organisations can collaborate more effectively in the future. I have asked the HSE to keep me informed of progress in this regard. The report recommends investment in ICT, the creation of a Unique Patient Identifier and the provision of secure email for the health services. One of the HSE's objectives is to install ICT infrastructure at all Primary Care Team sites to provide a minimum level of capability that will support a common set of applications and services. I fully support the prioritisation of Primary Care ICT development as the lack of an integrated system is undoubtedly an impediment to the proper management of the service.

A key issue for the health services is the ability to identify patients across different ICT systems such as the GP referrals system, Integrated Patient Management System and the National Integrated Medical Imaging System, as well as many other systems. The Department of Health is examining the issue of unique patient identification in the context of wider public service initiatives in identity management. The core principles of good information governance, including patient privacy, confidentiality and safety, must be at the centre of all deliberations. The work must also have regard to the requirements of the Data Protection Acts and the Health Information and Quality Authority.

Universal Health Insurance, linked to money following the patient, is a central element of the health reform agenda set out in the Programme for Government. A prerequisite for the implementation of such a system of health insurance is patient centric data clearly identifying clients. The Department is currently working on legislation, to be published next year, which will underpin the use of information in the health sector.

The requirement for secure e-mail in the health services and in particular the Primary Care setting is recognised and the HSE is currently developing proposals for a secure mail solution in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

The Programme for Government also provides for the introduction of a new GMS contract with GPs with an increased emphasis on the management of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. It is envisaged that the new contract will also focus on prevention and will include a requirement for GPs to provide care as part of integrated multi-disciplinary Primary Care Teams. The preparation of a revised GMS contract will be advanced during 2012.