Written answers

Thursday, 8 March 2018

Department of Health

Primary Care Centres Provision

Photo of John CurranJohn Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

389. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to fast-track the delivery of primary health care centres that are needed services in communities but appear to be delayed in various stages of the procurement, design and planning processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11638/18]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In line with health strategy a decisive shift towards primary care is required to meet growing demands for health and social care services.

The construction programme for primary care centres will continue throughout the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027 with a combination of direct building by the Health Service Executive, by working with the private sector using an operational lease arrangement or through a Public Private Partnership mechanism. The National Development Plan will support the completion of projects currently in construction and planning, and will meet the future health needs of the population. This primary care centre programme will also include provision of diagnostic facilities in the community.

The mechanism and timescale for delivery of primary care centres is a dynamic process and is dependent on a range of factors. All potential primary care centres are subject to suitable locations being offered / provided / available, to successful planning processes and GP commitment to sharing accommodation and delivering health care services with HSE staff. The HSE will continue to pursue the delivery of primary care centres in line with national requirements of appraisal, design, planning, tender and construction. In addition, where private funding is involved, this is subject to market pressures such as the developers' access to adequate financing. While some of these factors are outside the control of the Health Service Executive, it has been successful in developing a network of primary care centres across the country. 114 primary care centres are now operational. 6 have opened so far this year and a further 13 are scheduled to open in 2018.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.