A new approach in healthcare for people in Kilkenny City was launched during the week by HSE chief executive Prof Brendan Drumm at the Dean St Medical Practice premises.
The new primary care team sees general practitioners, practice nurses, public health nurses, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and dieticians all working in collaboration. The team will host regular meetings, where individualised care plans are developed for patients, particularly those with chronic illnesses and other complex needs. The team will share information and their respective skills to ensure that patients with greater needs receive services in a timely and co-ordinated way.
Speaking at the launch of the primary care team for Kilkenny City, Prof Drumm said,“we are aiming to have both our community and hospital-based services working hand in glove as a single integrated service. The HSE wants our patients’ journey through the health service to be seamless and as delay-free as possible.” Depending on their needs patients can, through their primary care team, be linked in to the services of other primary care professionals such as Mental Health Services and the Substance Misuse Team.
The HSE’s local health manager for Carlow/Kilkenny Anna-Marie Lanigan is confident of the new team in place.
“Primary care teams provide a 'one-stop' approach. They can meet or arrange the vast majority of the care needs of the public. If hospital care is needed, the links and arrangements can be made through the team.
Dr Tadhg Crowley, GP, was also enthusiastic about the team.
