Correct application of primary care strategies would save €100m: report

A new report shows that if primary care strategies were implemented correctly, €100m would be shaved off Ireland's healthcare budget.

The impact report, carried out by the HSE and the Mallow Primary Healthcare Centre in Cork, has found that the cost of treating a patient there was - on average - 30% cheaper, based on the annual admissions of the sickest people.

This research focused on the high-risk over 70 age group and showed that the Mallow facility - which has 21 GPs and other specialists in one location - saved 54% percent on hospital admissions.

The report says that if the same patient treatment savings are applied nationally, it would result in savings of €100m on the healthcare budget.