The article that appeared in the November 26 edition of Irish Medical Times (see: www.imt.ie/news/2010/11/methadone-trained-gps-nearing-1000-mark.html) regarding the training of Level 1 and 2 GPs under the Methadone Protocol Scheme contained a number of important and misleading inaccuracies.
It says the ICGP trains Level 2 GPs for clinics.
The article stated that the ICGP had trained 61 Level 2 GPs.
Both of these statements are incorrect. Levels 1 and 2 are training levels for community GPs recognised under the Methadone Treatment Protocol Scheme. Level 2-trained GPs do not work in HSE clinics. The IMO has negotiated national contracts relating to both Level 1- and Level 2-trained GPs.
Source: The Irish Medical Times, 09/12/2010