Menu
14/04/2022
Patients Must Access GP Care 'In A Variety Of Ways'
Post-pandemic, patients should be able to access GP care and services in a variety of ways, based on their health needs and preferences, the Royal College of GPs (RCGPs) in Northern Ireland has said.
Following reports on Wednesday that the 'phone first system' is set to remain in place, the RCGPs issued a statement to 'set the record straight on remote consultations': "General practice did not enter the Covid-19 pandemic in a good place, following decades of underinvestment in our services and poor workforce planning. This, coupled with rising demand, left GP services in a challenging place.
"GPs quickly adapted to new ways of working, virtually overnight, at the start of the pandemic, adhering to Government mandated infection control guidance. This meant patients were able to access healthcare safely throughout the worst of Covid-19.
"We have always been very clear that post-pandemic, patients should be able to access GP care and services in a variety of ways, based on their health needs and preferences – and current data shows this is happening. Many patients prefer to see their GP in person, but good, safe, and appropriate clinical care is being delivered remotely. There are also many patients who find this way of accessing care convenient, including those with work or caring responsibilities.
"We also acknowledge that many patients are having difficulties getting through and it is vital that that there is significant investment in our telephony systems, to allow surgeries to manage the huge volume of calls.
"We are clear that the method of consultation should be a shared decision between patient and GP."
Following reports on Wednesday that the 'phone first system' is set to remain in place, the RCGPs issued a statement to 'set the record straight on remote consultations': "General practice did not enter the Covid-19 pandemic in a good place, following decades of underinvestment in our services and poor workforce planning. This, coupled with rising demand, left GP services in a challenging place.
"GPs quickly adapted to new ways of working, virtually overnight, at the start of the pandemic, adhering to Government mandated infection control guidance. This meant patients were able to access healthcare safely throughout the worst of Covid-19.
"We have always been very clear that post-pandemic, patients should be able to access GP care and services in a variety of ways, based on their health needs and preferences – and current data shows this is happening. Many patients prefer to see their GP in person, but good, safe, and appropriate clinical care is being delivered remotely. There are also many patients who find this way of accessing care convenient, including those with work or caring responsibilities.
"We also acknowledge that many patients are having difficulties getting through and it is vital that that there is significant investment in our telephony systems, to allow surgeries to manage the huge volume of calls.
"We are clear that the method of consultation should be a shared decision between patient and GP."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 March 2022
Over 1,700 Patients Receiving Ground-Breaking Covid-19 Treatments
More than 1,700 patients at highest risk of serious illness across NI have received ground-breaking Covid-19 treatments. The patients have received neutralising monoclonal antibody (nMAB) and antiviral treatments at Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust Outpatient COVID-19 Treatment services (OCTs), or oral antiviral medicine to take at home.
Over 1,700 Patients Receiving Ground-Breaking Covid-19 Treatments
More than 1,700 patients at highest risk of serious illness across NI have received ground-breaking Covid-19 treatments. The patients have received neutralising monoclonal antibody (nMAB) and antiviral treatments at Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust Outpatient COVID-19 Treatment services (OCTs), or oral antiviral medicine to take at home.
16 June 2011
Public Confidence 'High' In NI GPs
The majority of patients who have been to see their General Practitioner (GP) have reported that they have confidence in the doctor they saw, (97%) said they had both trust and confidence.
Public Confidence 'High' In NI GPs
The majority of patients who have been to see their General Practitioner (GP) have reported that they have confidence in the doctor they saw, (97%) said they had both trust and confidence.
19 November 2014
Unscheduled Care 'Improvements' In NI
Health Minister Jim Wells has said progress is being made in the delivery of unscheduled care in Northern Ireland. The Minister made the comments following a review carried out by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), which are being implemented by the Regional Task Group.
Unscheduled Care 'Improvements' In NI
Health Minister Jim Wells has said progress is being made in the delivery of unscheduled care in Northern Ireland. The Minister made the comments following a review carried out by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), which are being implemented by the Regional Task Group.
04 October 2024
Health Minister Encourages Use Of My Care Patient Portal
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is urging people to sign up for the My Care patient portal, which provides access to digital medical records. The My Care portal allows patients and service users to view their healthcare information through an app or web browser on their digital devices.
Health Minister Encourages Use Of My Care Patient Portal
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is urging people to sign up for the My Care patient portal, which provides access to digital medical records. The My Care portal allows patients and service users to view their healthcare information through an app or web browser on their digital devices.
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.
-
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.
