£8.8MILLION CURE FOR OUR OVERWORKED GPS

GP services in Northern Ireland have received an £8.8million cash injection.

Just over half of the money will be used for the Practice Based Pharmacist Scheme, which will see nearly 200 pharmacists working in GP surgeries.

This will give patients access to chemists who can offer advice in disease and medicine management, easing pressure on doctors.

Around £1.5million of the money has also been set aside to improve and expand practice premises.

The rest of the funding will be used to address the pressures faced by GPS trying to manage rising populations and more long-term conditions, as well as the rising costs of medical indemnity cover. The announcement from the Department Of Health brings this year’s total investment in GPS and related services to nearly £22million, the largest funding allocation for General Practice since 2004.

A spokesman said: “The £8.8million includes £4.5million, which is freeing up GP time and together with community pharmacy is helping ensure the safe and effective use of medicines for better patient care.

“In addition, £1.8million will be used to address demographic pressures such as rising populations and more people with long-term conditions who need care.

“The Department has also identified £1.5million to improve and expand practice premises.

“This £8.8million is in addition to the £15million targeted towards enhancing primary care from the £100million Transformation Fund announced on May 9, 2018, which will help support the implementation of multi-disciplinary teams.”