The ICGP, which is the professional and training body for Irish general practitioners, will convene an Extraordinary General meeting of its members today (Sunday 2nd December) at 2pm in the Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co. Dublin.
The EGM is being held to discuss the concerns of some members who do not wish to provide termination of pregnancy services and also to provide members with an update on the role of the College since the Referendum result.
"We are giving members an opportunity to express concerns that they may have, and to hear the updated information regarding the training and educational programme and clinical guidelines for GPs who wish to offer the service from January 1st. As this is a new service in this country, we know there are a lot of questions," said Dr Tony Cox, Medical Director of the Irish College of General Practitioners.
"When the 8th amendment was repealed, the Government decided that termination of pregnancy services be provided in the community, up to 9 weeks. The College's remit is to ensure that a safe, quality and patient-centred service is available to patients and that members who wish to provide the service are properly trained and supported", Dr Cox added.
The College has circulated an information document to all members giving an update, and addressing the concerns of members who called for an EGM in October.
That request for the holding of an EGM was procedurally invalid, and the Board are required to act in accordance with its statutory duties to the College and its members. However, the College's Board convened the meeting today, the 2nd of December to enable further discussion and debate.
The College held an online consultation open to all members during August and September, with much of that feedback assisting in the development of the clinical guidelines. The College also undertook six regional meetings with members as part of the consultation process.
Based on members' feedback, the ICGP successfully advocated for an "opt-in" system. This "opt-in" system ensures that only doctors, who have signed a contract to provide this service, and have been fully trained, will provide the termination of pregnancy service. The College successfully advocated for the introduction of a 24-hour helpline, with a national communications campaign, to ensure that all women who require it are aware of this opt-in service.
FOR MORE DETAILS GO TO THE FAQs at https://bit.ly/2SmRQl3 ON THE ICGP WEBSITE.
MEDIA QUERIES: Aileen O'Meara, Communications Consultant ICGP
Tel. 087 2239830
Email: media@icgp.ie
Website: www.icgp.ie Twitter: @ICGPnews
NOTE TO MEDIA: This meeting is not open to the media.
There will be an opportunity shortly before the 2pm meeting for media to take photos and footage of the meeting. Please liaise with Aileen O'Meara on this.
A press room will be available at the hotel.
An ICGP representative will be available for media interviews after the meeting.
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