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10/02/2004
Patients to get quicker access to primary care services
Patients across Northern Ireland will be able to get quicker access to primary care services under a new scheme outlined by NIO Minister Angela Smith today.
Through the scheme, patients requiring professional clinical advice, diagnosis or treatment should expect to see a GP or an appropriate primary care professional within two working days.
However, while patient contact within two days may not always be with the GP or professional of the patient’s choice, the scheme anticipates that alternative consultations with a range of appropriate primary care professionals will increasingly be offered to patients.
Mrs Smith said that as part of the new contract agreed for the provision of primary medical services here, Health and Social Services Boards will be required to commission services which will improve access.
"Alternative consultations, such as telephone conversations may also be used to reduce the demand for face-to-face appointments," the Minister added.
In June 2003, GPs in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland voted to accept a new contract, which had been negotiated with the government and the health department on their behalf by the BMA.
The new contract will apply UK-wide and is to come into operation on 1 April 2004.
(MB)
Through the scheme, patients requiring professional clinical advice, diagnosis or treatment should expect to see a GP or an appropriate primary care professional within two working days.
However, while patient contact within two days may not always be with the GP or professional of the patient’s choice, the scheme anticipates that alternative consultations with a range of appropriate primary care professionals will increasingly be offered to patients.
Mrs Smith said that as part of the new contract agreed for the provision of primary medical services here, Health and Social Services Boards will be required to commission services which will improve access.
"Alternative consultations, such as telephone conversations may also be used to reduce the demand for face-to-face appointments," the Minister added.
In June 2003, GPs in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland voted to accept a new contract, which had been negotiated with the government and the health department on their behalf by the BMA.
The new contract will apply UK-wide and is to come into operation on 1 April 2004.
(MB)
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