Written answers

Thursday, 17 January 2019

Department of Health

General Practitioner Services

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

182. To ask the Minister for Health the measures he plans to implement in relation to the recruitment and retention of doctors in general practice with particular reference to the shortage of doctors in rural Ireland and the difficulties in replacing retired doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2251/19]

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

The Government is aware of workforce issues facing general practice, including the influence of demographic factors, and has implemented a number of measures to improve recruitment and retention in general practice.

GPs play a crucial role in the provision of primary care services. The number of GPs on the specialist register continues to increase – up from 2,270 in 2010 to 3,723 in 2018 and the number of GPs with a GMS contract has also risen from 2,098 in 2008 to 2,491 as at 1 January 2019.

GP training places have been increased from 120 in 2009 to 193 in 2018 and the Government's objective is to continue to achieve annual increases in the number of training places available while ensuring that all of the places are filled.

Entry provisions to the GMS scheme have been changed to accommodate more flexible GMS contracts and the retirement age has been extended to 72. An enhanced support package for rural practices has been introduced with improved qualifying criteria and an increased financial allowance of €20,000 per annum. 257 GP practice units encompassing 347 individual GPs are now in receipt of financial supports under this framework, a significant increase on the 167 GPs who received a rural practice allowance prior to the introduction of the 2016 measures.

The Government remains committed to the continued development of GP capacity to ensure that patients across the country continue to have access to GP services and that general practice remains an attractive career option.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.