Out-of-hours is key in new GP contract

The funding and administration of GP out-of-hours services will be a key element of any new GMS contract, argues IMO GP Committee member Dr Michael Kelleher It is widely accepted that a greatly enhanced primary care service is an essential foundation for our health service. In this regard, commencement of negotiations between the IMO, HSE and Department of Health (DoH) on a new GMS contract are welcome. The GP out-of-hours (OOH) service will be a very important issue for all stakeholders to a future contract. General practice has a vital role to play in the delivery of effective patient care…