Concern over access to doctors prompts consultation extension

Dr Margaret O’Brien, Head of General Medical Services at the HSCB, said: “Due to the interest shown by members of the public and elected representatives in the GP Out-of-Hours Strategic Framework, it has been agreed to extend the consultation period until October 19, 2012.

“GP Out-of-Hours Services provide urgent advice, care and treatment at times when GP surgeries are closed. Significant improvements have already been implemented in relation to processes, commissioning and quality standards for service delivery.

“The Strategic Framework complements and enhances this work and provides further opportunities to improve services. It is important therefore that anyone with an interest in GP Out-of-Hours service provision has this added opportunity to have their say.

“Furthermore, an additional public meeting has been arranged for Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 7.30 pm in the Millennium Room at the Millennium Forum, 3 Newmarket Street, Londonderry, BT48 6EB.”

The public consultation, which was launched on June 25, 2012 and had an original closing date of September 28, 2012, will now close on October 19, 2012 at 5.00 pm.

The GP Out-of-Hours Strategic Framework and related information can be accessed in the Consultations section of the www.hscboard.hscni.net website.

Alternatively the documentation can be requested by email at [email protected], by telephone on 028 9055 3721 or textphone on 18001 028 9055 3721.