New Contract is a stand-alone contract and each GP is fully entitled to choose whether or not to deliver the service

 

Wednesday 14 November 2018.  The IMO, the Department of Health and the HSE have concluded negotiations in respect of a new contract for Termination of Pregnancy services.

The contract is a stand-alone contract which allows each GP to make an individual choice as to whether or not to provide the service.  Any GP who holds a conscientious objection will not be in any way compelled to participate in the contract. 

The IMO recognises the difficult decision faced by many doctors in this regard and at all times sought to ensure respect for the views of individual members as to whether they wished to offer these services or not in line with the provisions of the Medical Council guidelines in respect of matters of conscience.   The fee associated with the contract which encompasses a complex package of care over three visits is €450.

The resources attached to this contract reflect the complex nature of the service and the challenges posed to doctors in caring for the women who choose to avail of this service.  The IMO believes the service is adequately resourced at GP level and notes the requirement to resource the hospital system to care for women within the scope of these services.

Speaking today Dr Padraig McGarry, Chair of the IMO GP Committee said;  “During these negotiations we sought to protect the rights of all our members in terms of the delivery of the service.  It was necessary to conclude the negotiations at this time so as to ensure each GP has the opportunity and time to consider the contractual terms and workload before the proposed implementation date of 1st January.  It has been agreed between the parties that should there be any amendments to the legislation before the Dail that will impact in any way on the operation or terms of the contract these will be agreed with the IMO and implemented before the proposed start date of the service in January.”