AQW 16240/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 04/10/2024
Answered On Date: 18/10/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail his plans to recruit and train more GPs.

Answer:

Against the background of a challenging financial climate, my Department continues its focus on building the GP workforce. This includes funding to support the recruitment and retention of GPs through a number of initiatives comprising the “Attract, Recruit, Retain, Scheme” the GP Retainer Scheme, the GP Mentor Scheme, the GP Induction and Refresher Scheme and the GP Fellowship Scheme.

My Department has taken action to streamline the recruitment processes for GPs who qualified in the Republic of Ireland and we are currently updating the Northern Ireland Induction and Refresher schemes to align with the new General Medical Council (GMC) pathways for the recruitment of GPs from other countries joining the GMC GP Register. My Department has also introduced a Streamlined Returner process with the aim of removing unnecessary barriers to those wishing to return to the GP workforce.

Over recent years, my Department has prioritised investment in the training of future GPs. The annual number of GP training places has been increased from 65 in 2015/16 to the current all-time high level of 121 (an increase of 86%). In addition, my Department is working with the NI Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA) on innovations to the local GP training programme with the objective of enhancing the recruitment and retention of trainees in Northern Ireland.