‘Alarming’ figures reveal the lack of GPs in Tyrone

THE Department of Health is being urged to recruit more doctors for Tyrone which is trailing behind many other areas in the North when it comes to GP access.

Recent statistics ranked West Tyrone and Fermangh South Tyrone as two of the lowest areas in the North for the number of GPs per 100,000 of the population.

Órfhlaith Begley, West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP, described the figures as “alarming” and is demanding more action from health chiefs to resolve inequalities for GP services.

She said, “People living in rural towns and villages in West Tyrone are entitled to the same level of services as those who reside in East Antrim and East Belfast that are top of these statistics.

“This is another example of the inequality which exists in terms of access to services.

“As well as changes in the short term, we need to see the benefits of the medical school at Magee utilised and a focused approach to recruiting and retaining more GPs for this area which is key to resolving these problems.

“There should be an equal access to services no matter where people chose to live. I will continue to press the Health Minister to ensure that there is a more targeted and fairly- balanced approach in terms of the delivery of GP and health services moving forward.”

Health Minister, Robin Swann recently announced that the Department of Health is making up to £5.5 million available to support general practice in Northern Ireland over the challenging winter period.

The Minister said, “I recognise how important it is that people can access GP services when they need to do so. I must emphasise that GP practices have been open throughout the pandemic and will continue to use both face-to-face appointments and alternative consultation options for patients as appropriate.

“Services across Health and Social Care are under increasing pressure and we know that this will be a challenging winter. Feedback from GPs indicates that many patients are presenting with more complex needs, particularly those who have a chronic disease, making it more difficult for them to see all the people they would wish to.

“Work is underway on a review of GP trainee places, to make sure we have enough GPs to meet our primary care needs into the future. I am committed to ensuring that we have a GP workforce that is supported, motivated and sustainable and that continues to provide quality care to patients when they need it.”