GPs have been described as crucial to the reform of the public health system by Minister for Health Dr James Reilly.
Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) tonight in Galway, Dr Reilly committed himself to introducing universal GP care within the term of the current government.
However, he refused to provide a more specific timeframe for the proposal when asked, remarking only that “the heads of a bill are being drawn up”.
In detailing his plans for the role of GPs in health care, Dr Reilly portrayed a more integrated system.
Dr Reilly received a round of applause when he criticised the situation as he saw it, where GPs have traditionally been left alone to work in the community while the rest of the health system was being discussed.
He stated that it was vital for care that patients have direct access to multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and sessional access to services like speech and language therapy.
The theme of the weekend meeting of GPs, which runs until midday on Sunday, is “challenges in maintaining quality with limited resources” with special sessions on managing a practice’s finances.
Dr Margaret O’Riordan, head of quality and standards of ICGP, said that the financial impact of cuts in government payments to GPs as well as a drop in income from private practice has been “difficult for every practice in the country”.
“In a time of recession every business is under increased pressure and general practice is no exception,” said Dr O’Riordan.
Confronting the issue in his address, Dr Reilly said that he wanted general practice to “be a solid career”. He added that government policies were helping to achieve this, citing the elimination of restrictions on GPs wishing to obtain contracts to treat public patients under certain schemes.
“This legislation should encourage more young GPs to remain in Ireland and to establish their practices here and will make it more attractive for GPs to move here from abroad,” he said.
The annual general meeting of the ICGP - which as the professional body for general practice in Ireland represents over 90 per cent of GPs in the State - allows GPs the opportunity to attend talks, short courses and discussions on a variety of medical issues.
The agenda for this year’s meeting included a forum on mental health as well as a number of women’s health training courses.