Primary Care 'crisis' discussed by local GPs

The “increasing challenges” faced by doctors working in general practice across the Foyle area, were discussed at an event facilitated by the Derry GP Federation.

Local GPs came together at the event which took place on April 25, to share learning on “surviving this difficult time”.

The Derry GP Federation was formed in 2014 by 28 local GP Practices with a common desire to work together to develop and protect GP services for patients in the area.

Successful projects to date have included employing a range of professionals including mental health practitioners; general practice pharmacists; advanced nurse practitioners and GPs with enhanced skills, to work in GP practices.

They have also included working with the Western Health and Social Care Trust to place physiotherapists and social workers in GP practices.

The Derry GP Federation Chairperson, Dr Stephen Lalsingh, said he felt it was  important for all practices to come together at this time to discuss ways of “working together to stabilise practices and protect services”.

Statistics presented on the night confirmed the difficult issues facing local GP practices.

This area has: below average numbers of GPs in comparison with other areas of the North; more older GPs than elsewhere with 25% within a few years of retirement; and the second fastest growing population in NI causing increasing demand.

In addition, two practice contracts have been returned since Jan 2023 and four practices currently noted as officially being “in crisis”.

The evening brought together 18 member practices represented by 50 general practice staff and provided focused discussion with a variety of possible actions proposed to prevent further damage to practices and patients.

Derry Now understands, the Derry GP Federation along with member practices will now begin to work through these possibilities.