AQW 42004/22-27
Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry
Tabled Date: 06/03/2026
Answered On Date: 10/04/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any assessment that has been made of the impact that difficulties accessing GP appointments can have on pressures within Emergency Departments.
Answer:
My Department recognises that difficulties in accessing GP appointments have the potential to influence how patients engage with urgent and emergency care services. However, at present we have no evidence which demonstrates a direct causal link between access to primary care and increased demand in emergency departments (EDs). Over the last number of years there have been a number of changes to urgent and emergency care services, in particular the development of urgent care centres (UCCs) and minor injuries units (MIUs) which provide alternative and more appropriate services for patients presenting to secondary care with less serious conditions. These changes make direct comparisons for EDs attendances over the last number of years less accurate as they are no longer like-for-like services. However, when the numbers presenting at EDs, UCCs and MIUs are added together, it is possible to make more accurate comparisons in terms of total numbers as shown in the table below. New and unplanned attendances at EDs/ UCCs/ MIUs | Year | Total attendances | 2022/23 | 790,215 | 2023/24 | 800,899 | 2024/25 | 802,495 |
It should be noted that total ED attendances pre-pandemic for 2019/20 were over 815,000, and so the figures for 2024/25 have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels. The Phone First model which was introduced in the last number of years and is now in place across all Trusts, could be a factor in reducing overall attendances. In addition to these new services in secondary care, measures such as the continued development of multi-disciplinary teams and non-medical support roles are intended to improve access and ensure patients receive appropriate care in the community. My Department will continue to monitor this issue as part of the broader urgent and emergency care reform programme.
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