Menu
16/11/2021
Health Minister Praises Ongoing Work Of GPs
GP's have been praised for the important role they played in the battle to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, by the Health Minister Robin Swann, in his address to the British Medical Associations' Local Medical Committee Conference.
Minister Swann commended the key role of General Practice in the successful delivery of the vaccination programme and the work undertaken in establishing Primary Care Covid-19 Centres, which he said had protected our health and social care system from being overwhelmed.
Also recognising the continued roll out of the Primary Care Multi-Disciplinary Team Programme, Minister Swann said: "The MDT Programme Teams in the Health and Social Care Board and the Department are currently taking forward a process to develop a 'road map' for the full roll-out of the model across all GP Federation areas."
In the course of his address Minister Swann noted the increased pressures facing General Practice with a rise in patient contacts from an estimated 12.7million in 2014 to almost 15 million in 2019. He also stressed that GP practices continue to be available for patients, providing both face to face appointments and alternative consultation options as appropriate.
The Minister reiterated the need to encourage even more medical students to choose a career in General Practice.
He said: "In recognition of the increasing demand for primary care services, my Department has already increased the number of GP trainees by over 70% from 2015 levels. Work has also recently commenced on a review of GP trainee places, to make sure there are enough GPs to meet our primary care needs into the future."
In closing, the Minister extended his personal thanks to GPs and their teams for their diligence and professionalism which he said: "had seen them at the frontline of the fight against Covid and would place them at the heart of our rebuilding and restructuring of Health and Social Care services into the future."
Minister Swann commended the key role of General Practice in the successful delivery of the vaccination programme and the work undertaken in establishing Primary Care Covid-19 Centres, which he said had protected our health and social care system from being overwhelmed.
Also recognising the continued roll out of the Primary Care Multi-Disciplinary Team Programme, Minister Swann said: "The MDT Programme Teams in the Health and Social Care Board and the Department are currently taking forward a process to develop a 'road map' for the full roll-out of the model across all GP Federation areas."
In the course of his address Minister Swann noted the increased pressures facing General Practice with a rise in patient contacts from an estimated 12.7million in 2014 to almost 15 million in 2019. He also stressed that GP practices continue to be available for patients, providing both face to face appointments and alternative consultation options as appropriate.
The Minister reiterated the need to encourage even more medical students to choose a career in General Practice.
He said: "In recognition of the increasing demand for primary care services, my Department has already increased the number of GP trainees by over 70% from 2015 levels. Work has also recently commenced on a review of GP trainee places, to make sure there are enough GPs to meet our primary care needs into the future."
In closing, the Minister extended his personal thanks to GPs and their teams for their diligence and professionalism which he said: "had seen them at the frontline of the fight against Covid and would place them at the heart of our rebuilding and restructuring of Health and Social Care services into the future."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 September 2021
Booster Vaccinations Announced By Health Minister
Booster vaccinations are set to be offered to those first vaccinated during Phase 1 of the programme, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced. Minister Swann has made the announcement on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Booster Vaccinations Announced By Health Minister
Booster vaccinations are set to be offered to those first vaccinated during Phase 1 of the programme, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced. Minister Swann has made the announcement on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
11 March 2003
Primary care must be strengthened says Browne
The role of primary care has to be strengthened and expanded, NIO Health Minister Des Browne has told delegates at the ‘Primary Care-Moving Forward’ conference in Armagh today.
Primary care must be strengthened says Browne
The role of primary care has to be strengthened and expanded, NIO Health Minister Des Browne has told delegates at the ‘Primary Care-Moving Forward’ conference in Armagh today.
21 March 2022
Community Projects To 'Start Conversation About The Future, Now'
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced grants for 15 projects 'to encourage people to start conversations about their wishes for the future, now'.
Community Projects To 'Start Conversation About The Future, Now'
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced grants for 15 projects 'to encourage people to start conversations about their wishes for the future, now'.
16 June 2022
Health Minister Publishes Three Year Workforce Action Plan
Health Minister Robin Swann has published an ambitious three year action plan to help address workforce challenges. The newly published action plan is the second instalment under the Department’s long term ‘Health and Social Care Workforce Strategy 2026: Delivering for Our People’.
Health Minister Publishes Three Year Workforce Action Plan
Health Minister Robin Swann has published an ambitious three year action plan to help address workforce challenges. The newly published action plan is the second instalment under the Department’s long term ‘Health and Social Care Workforce Strategy 2026: Delivering for Our People’.
18 February 2022
Care Home Visiting Restrictions To Be Eased
Restrictions on visiting care homes are to be revised following the removal of wider restrictions in NI. Following advice from the Public Health Agency, Minister Swann has agreed that restrictions on visiting in care homes will move from 'Gradual Easing' to 'Further Easing'.
Care Home Visiting Restrictions To Be Eased
Restrictions on visiting care homes are to be revised following the removal of wider restrictions in NI. Following advice from the Public Health Agency, Minister Swann has agreed that restrictions on visiting in care homes will move from 'Gradual Easing' to 'Further Easing'.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
