AQW 44242/22-27

Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 17/04/2026
Answered On Date: 01/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether he intends to introduce changes to general practice contractual arrangements, similar to those implemented by NHS England, including (i) requirements that patients contacting a GP practice are offered an assessment of need or signposted to an appropriate service at first point of contact; and (ii) that GP practices provide online consultation or appointment request systems available throughout core hours alongside telephone and in-person access.

Answer:

I recognise the importance of ensuring that patients can access General Practice services in a timely and appropriate manner, and that practices are supported to deliver high-quality care.

I am committed to working with General Practitioners and their representatives to improve access to services and to ensure that arrangements remain responsive to the needs of patients. As part of this, my Department is currently engaged in negotiations with the General Practitioners Committee on the General Medical Services (GMS) contract for 2026/27 and beyond.

These discussions include consideration of measures to improve access to General Practice, including how patients are supported at first point of contact and the role of digital and online systems in complementing existing telephone and face-to-face services.

More broadly, this work sits within a wider programme of reform to strengthen primary care and develop a neighbourhood-based model of care, ensuring that services are delivered as close to home as possible and that patients are directed to the most appropriate service for their needs.

I will continue to engage constructively with the profession to seek agreement on measures that improve access for patients while supporting the sustainability of General Practice.