AQW 16145/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 10/03/2021
Answered On Date: 24/03/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the roll-out of the multidisciplinary team model, embedded in General Practice, with regard to (i) timescales for further roll-out to the next Federation areas; (ii) action being taken to address pressures arising from the pandemic on key roles in social work and mental health; and (iii) an anticipated timescale for the roll-out of the model to the whole of Northern Ireland.

Answer:

The MDT model is now complete or well developed in 5 of the 17 GP Federations in Northern Ireland – Down, Londonderry/Derry, West Belfast, Causeway and Newry & District Federations. I am pleased to advise that a small MDT footprint is also currently being introduced jointly in the North Down and Ards Federations areas.

My Department and the HSCB are currently engaged in a process to develop a ‘road map’ for the implementation of MDTs across all remaining GP Federations. This process is expected to be completed before summer 2021. The road map will enable robust planning for the rollout of the model to the remainder of Northern Ireland.

Whilst it was anticipated that the MDT Programme could be expanded at a rate of around 2 GP federation areas per annum, with estimated completion around 2026, this target has been impacted by the Covid pandemic. Additionally, further rollout of the model is dependent on the availability of a suitably qualified and experienced workforce, readiness of accommodation and the appropriate funding.

Overall, the Programme currently supports around 280 staff, including over 50 mental health staff and 80 social work staff, who have played a key role in supporting the most vulnerable in society during the Covid pandemic.

Support for social workers and mental health practitioners in primary care is provided in a number of ways.

The HSCB has developed a ‘Framework for Leaders and Managers on Supporting the Wellbeing Needs of our Health and Social Care Staff During Covid 19’, which is guiding the response to staff working across the health and social care sector.

In addition to the usual practice team, line management and supervisory support, all staff have access to Covid psychological helplines and to a range of virtual mental health resources.

The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) has provided and promoted a range of learning resources on staff support on their website and through online webinars. These are open access and available to all primary care staff.

Additionally, the GPNI website provides a range of information on support available to patients and staff. This site also runs a webinar series to support GP practice staff in their care delivery during the pandemic.