Rise In Number Of NI GPs

The number of GPs per head of population in Northern Ireland is reportedly on the rise, despite figures falling elsewhere in the UK.

Findings from the Nuffield Trust, which looked at GPs working both full and part-time in the region, revealed there are almost six more doctors per 100,000 people than 10 years ago, as first reported by the BBC.

Commenting on the findings, Sinn Fein's Spokesperson for Health Pat Sheehan said the news is welcome given the contrast with other regions, but warned that capacity issues remain.

The west Belfast MLA said: "As Minister for Health Michelle O'Neill understood the significant pressure facing primary care and increased GP training places in the north to 111 a year in order to build capacity.

"The development and rolling out of GP led multi-disciplinary primary care teams set out by her transformation plan, Delivering Together, will be vital to supporting GPs to deliver services going forward.

"While the increase in GPs is a positive development it does not in itself mean that capacity issues in General Practice have been overcome.

"Fewer GPs are working full time in general practice; there remains a shortage of GPs in many areas-including rural areas in Fermanagh; and not all of the 111 GP training places are being filled."

Mr Sheehan continued: "The move to more multi-disciplinary team working provides opportunities for GPs to work differently and more effectively going forward.

"Creating the environment where General Practice can provide a work-life balance and the potential for GPs to specialise and gain experience in different clinical areas is important in attracting medical student to General Practice and filling the GP training places that are available." 

Although there are more doctors, fewer of them are choosing to work full time, with practices in County Fermanagh, Omagh and Mid Ulster believed to be struggling.



(JG/CM)