Northern Ireland Family Doctors Providing The Best Care In The UK

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Article Date: 19 Sep 2008 - 7:00 PDT

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Northern Ireland's GPs have topped the polls another year running in the provision of quality care for their patients. Figures released today, Friday 19th September 2008, by the DHSSPS show that local GPs are providing the best care in the UK.

Commenting on today's announcement, Dr Brian Dunn, Chairman of the BMA's GPs Committee in Northern Ireland, said: "I am delighted and proud to see these results because they not only reflect the great service being given to patients here but also the dedication and commitment of GPs in providing that service.

"Patients receive the same quality care right across Northern Ireland. Irrespective of where you live, the Quality & Outcomes Framework applies and patients rightly receive the same access to treatment whether they reside in a deprived area or a more prosperous one."

The Quality and Outcomes Framework was introduced in April 2004 as part of the new national GP contract. It covers four areas of primary care - the clinical, the organisational, the patient experience and additional services.

The clinical area now covers the treatment of patients suffering from illnesses and diseases such as asthma, cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, dementia, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, heart failure, hypertension, hypothyroidism, mental health, stroke and transient ischaemic attacks. Also, those with learning disabilities, those suffering from obesity or requiring help to stop smoking, and patients who need palliative care.

The patient experience is based on surveys carried out throughout the year. Northern Ireland figures this year show a 100% patient satisfaction rating.

Dr Dunn continued: "GPs are working hard in targeting the diseases that kill and which previously were only treated in the hospital sector. Heart disease, cancer, kidney disease. They also treat a huge range of other illnesses including asthma, diabetes, stroke, depression and dementia.

"Northern Ireland unfortunately has a very high rate of heart disease but working as we are now we hope to see a reduction in this particular killer in future years.

"It is also very pleasing and encouraging to see that our patients value their local general practice so highly. In the past the majority of patients would have had to travel often long distances to a hospital setting for the treatment they now receive in general practice. This is of particular importance to older patients and those who are chronically ill. It means they don't have the stress of a journey added to their problems and are more confident with the continuity of care which is unique to general practice."

British Medical Association Northern Ireland
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