Improved Access to Primary Care
13/11/2006

GPs in the Northern Board area have signed up to participate in the Improved Access to Primary Care Scheme.  The purpose of the scheme is to offer patients improved and convenient access to primary care medical services.   Timely access to primary care is important and greatly valued by the public.

Patients with an Acute Condition
Patients with an acute condition including worsening of an existing chronic condition such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, asthma or epilepsy, are entitled, upon request, to be seen or speak to a GP or appropriate primary care professional no later than the working day after they have made the request.   For example,  if you contact the Practice on a Monday, you will receive a consultation no later than 6pm on Tuesday (excluding bank holidays).  

Other Patients requiring Clinical Advice or Treatment
All other patients requiring clinical advice or treatment, who request an appointment under the Access to Primary Care Scheme are entitled to be seen or speak to a GP or appropriate primary care professional no later than the second day after they made the request.  For example, if you contact the practice on a Monday you will receive a consultation no later than 6pm on the Wednesday (excluding bank holidays).

Patients will be able to book GP appointments in advance.  This will
help patients plan time off work or to allow them to make family arrangements.   It can also assist Practices to manage their appointments.

Some patients may ask to see a GP of their choice.  In such cases, patients may have to wait longer to see that particular doctor.

All GP Practices in the Northern Board have signed up to deliver this scheme to their patients.  The Local Medical Committee and the Northern Health and Social Services Council have worked closely with the Board in order to implement this scheme effectively. 

Dr Sloan Harper, Director Primary Care, Northern Board, said:

“I am delighted that all 81 practices in the Northern Board area have volunteered to participate in the GP Access Scheme.  Practices are responding to the needs of patients and the Board is making a significant investment in supporting this response.  The Access Scheme does not apply to all appointment requests and patients should read the information leaflet carefully.”

Patients are encouraged to work in partnership with their doctors and primary care staff to ensure the system works effectively.  Patients are also reminded of the importance of keeping their appointments or letting the practice know as far in advance as possible if they cannot attend the appointment given to them.  

For further information a leaflet is available from each Practice reception.  The Board has set up a designated telephone number that

patients can use where they feel the new arrangements have not worked for them.  The telephone number is (028) 9448 1200.