General Practice is the essential foundation on which a neighbourhood model must be built

The Royal College of General Practitioners Northern Ireland (RCGP NI) has highlighted that building any successful new model of care is dependent on having a stable, well- funded and well-supported General Practice service.  

Speaking following the Department of Health (NI)'s publication of its Neighbourhood Model of Care Policy Framework today, Dr Ursula Mason, Chair of RCGP Northern Ireland, said: “Our health and social care service is at a critical juncture. There is a real opportunity for reset within our health system to meet the evolving needs and growing demand of our population. RCGP NI welcomes the focus on enhancing care in communities and early intervention, but we are also mindful that the success of a neighbourhood model will be dependent on a strong and stable general practice. 

This model proposes changes to the way services are provided, but in reality, it will be  GPs working on the ground who will continue to provide the majority of care for their patients throughout their lifetime and any shift left must be paired with appropriate and proportionate resource.

GPs are already focused on stabilising and safeguarding the role of General Practice to continue to meet the needs of our population. We must be able to grow our workforce, protect access and ensure continuity of care for our patients. I am encouraged by the Department of Health NI commitment to developing a strategic vision for General Practice in collaboration with GPs that addresses our current deficits. 

RCGP NI is fully committed to working constructively with the Department of Health to secure a well-resourced General Practice that prioritises patient needs, reflects experiences on the ground, and provides the secure foundation required for a neighbourhood model to become a reality.”  

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659

press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.