10 per cent of out of hours calls urgent or emergency

One point nine per cent of the total calls to providers were disposed of as emergency and 8.1 per cent as urgent.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey advised DUP MLA George Robinson that a reduction in OOHs provision was agreed by the Health and Social Care Board and Western Urgent Care's Management Team which met with affected staff on both a group and individual basis to outline the changes.

The Minister also advised the reductions in the number of GPs operating the out-of-hours service in the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) area will be monitored to ensure patient care is not compromised.

He stated: "Following an analysis of OOH's activity and workload across the Western area the Health and Social Care Board and Western Urgent Care have agreed a trial period was not necessary.

"The changes being introduced will be monitored to ensure patient care is not compromised."

The information was revealed in response to a series of questions at the Stormont Assembly.