Written answers

Tuesday, 23 November 2021

Department of Health

General Practitioner Services

Photo of Peadar TóibínPeadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

695. To ask the Minister for Health if a second temporary replacement doctor will be allocated to a general practitioner practice (details supplied) from which two doctors have recently retired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57528/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the selection process to find a replacement GP. The HSE are currently re-advertising to fill the GMS vacancy concerned.

Since the resignation of the two GMS GPs in partnership on the 31st of August last, the HSE has since provided a full medical service to the patients on both GP GMS panels. A new GP surgery was set up with a locum GP and full nursing and secretarial staff.

The combined size of both GMS panels is relatively small and would generally be served by one GP. The HSE previously advertised a single GMS post for both panels on two occasions, however these campaigns were ultimately unsuccessful. As mentioned, the HSE has now re-advertised the post for a third time nationally and in the UK, Australia and Canada.

Despite the increased demand for GP services associated with this time of year, the HSE has not received any complaints relating to access to the service currently provided.

Photo of Peadar TóibínPeadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

696. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to instances in which general practitioners are giving blanket refusals to see medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57529/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am not aware of GPs giving blanket refusals to see medical card holders. General practice has continued to operate during the Covid-19 public health emergency and GPs see patients face to face where necessary, albeit with infection-control measures in place.

In response to the pandemic, it has been necessary for GPs to triage patient in-person contact with GP surgeries as much as possible, to help prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus and for the protection of patients and staff. GPs are performing assessments over the phone to determine if a patient needs to attend the surgery or whether a remote phone consultation is suitable. Where clinically indicated, the GP will arrange an appointment to see the patient in the surgery.

Photo of Peadar TóibínPeadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

697. To ask the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners who have retired in County Kerry in each of the past five years and to date in 2021. [57530/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

General practitioners are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE to provide medical services on its behalf to medical card and GP visit card holders without charge. I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the number of GPs that have retired from their GMS contract.

Photo of Peadar TóibínPeadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

698. To ask the Minister for Health if the HSE has a reserve of healthcare staff or professionals to assist with general practitioner clinics in instances of staff shortages or staffing emergencies arising from Covid-19; and if so, if he will provide details on such reserves. [57531/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It should be noted that GP practices are private practices and GPs are not employees of the HSE, as such the responsibility for staff resourcing rests with each individual practice. However, in recognition of the central role general practice plays in the delivery of healthcare, the HSE provides support to GPs to ensure continuity of service. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of GP support fees, as well as a grant payment for GP out of hour services providers, have been in place since March 2020.

Building on the experience of the pandemic, additional supports and resources were provided to general practice last winter, taking account of the heightened impact of the pandemic at the time. It is important that some of the most beneficial reforms and learning from the Covid-19 experience are maintained. In this context, it is envisaged that a more targeted approach will be required this year with a particular focus on how the surge in capacity over the winter period will bring pressure on single handed practices which may be impacted by illness or excessive demand. A range of appropriate measures will be required to ensure the continued provision of supports to local GPs services.

€10m has been provided to implement measures to support general practice in line with the approach outlined above, with the detailed arrangements currently being finalised in consultation with the Irish Medical Organisation on behalf of GPs.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.