A new primary health care strategy presented today promises the integration of all strands of primary care, including GPs, nurses, midwives, and social care professionals such as dieticians, counsellors and physiotherapists, in order to reduce pressure on the hospital system.
The new proposals, presented today by Minister for Heatlh Mr Micheal Martin, form an integral part of his overall health strategy and constitute a radical reform of the current primary care system.
Speaking at the launch of Primary Care – A New Direction, the Minister proposed the introduction of a team based approach to primary care, in order to provide "well-integrated, round-the-clock services that are easy to reach."
The strategy outlines new processes whereby people will be encouraged to enrol with a primary health care team and with a GP within that team. The hours where primary care is currently available will be extended, and out of hours service will be improved.
The Minister pointed to the success of GP cooperatives in many of the health board areas, and promised to expand the number of cooperatives during 2002.
"In addition to expanding the number of GP co-operatives, we’re planning Primary Care one-stop-shops where teams, including GPs, nurses, midwives, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, home helps and several others, will work together," he said. The Minister said that updating current services would require investment in the infrastructure of primary care, but said that the new proposals would reduce pressure on hospitals.
"A small shift in the number of people referred by their GP to a hospital could have a dramatic impact on the numbers being seen in out-patients and A&E," said the Minister.
"Developing primary care will provide a means whereby those conditions which require referral can be prevented or identified earlier. It will also allow many of those who are seen in the out-patient system to be discharged back to the care of their GP."