Primary care centre shortage
Deputy Stanley said towns like Portlaoise lack primary care centres and GPs, pushing patients into emergency departments. The Tánaiste said a primary care build programme is under way, but he would check the Portlaoise position and send on details.
I raise the issue of primary care centres. As the Tánaiste knows, people are presenting at hospital emergency departments because they cannot get access to a GP or primary care services. The population of towns like Portlaoise has increased, and there is no primary care centre in the town despite the population is heading towards 30,000. There is also a shortage of GPs. The Tánaiste will be aware of this from his background in the medical profession. People are piling into hospital emergency departments and this is adding to the problems of these units, which are regularly raised in the Chamber. When will the capital programme on primary care centres be published, will Portlaoise be included in it and what is the position regarding funding?
Comment on this
We have a successful programme of building primary care centres throughout the country. I have three in my own constituency, all of which are working very well.
Comment on this
I do not have any in my constituency.
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-----and I am not sure when the next capital programme is coming out. However, I will check it and get back to the Deputy.
Comment on this
Perhaps the Tánaiste would send that on to me.