AQW 3473/22-27
Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry
Tabled Date: 23/09/2022
Answered On Date: 07/10/2022
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to outline (i) how many GP surgeries are at risk of closing across Northern Ireland; (ii) the reasons why GP surgeries are at risk of closure; and (iii) the impact for patients if a GP surgery closes.
Answer:
As at 30 September 2022, 16 GPs surgeries are considered as being at risk of closure across Northern Ireland. Reasons as to why this may be the case vary but include staffing difficulties, workload pressures and issues with the fabric/size of premises. I recognise that any closure of a GP surgery is concerning for patients and potentially places additional pressures on neighbouring surgeries. I am committed to continuing to work to address the pressures facing GP practices. On 26th September, I announced a £5.5m package of support for GPs. This package provides targeted help to parts of the service that are most under pressure by investing £1m in a new Attract, Recruit, Retain scheme to help attract GPs in hard-to-recruit areas. It also boosts the support team for GP practices who are experiencing difficulty by an additional £680k. In addition, it also includes investment of £3m to support practices across Northern Ireland through the winter period, giving them the capacity to provide additional in-hours sessions to help meet heightened demand through the winter; up to £800k additional investment in Out of Hours services; and a commitment to progress work to address the issue of GP indemnity. I recognise that being able to access GP services is very important for people across Northern Ireland. My Department has therefore convened a working group to explore issues around access to services, including how technology can be better used to provide improved access for patients. An initial report from the group is anticipated in the autumn.
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