GP referrals to be electronic by 2012
ELECTRONIC referrals are to be introduced to all GP surgeries in the borough by 2012.
A pilot electronic referral scheme will begin in January involving practices in the Southern Trust area and will then be rolled out to all 356 GP surgeries in Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “The electronic referrals project is the latest development in the use of new technology in our Health Service. The introduction of the system will bring many benefits for patients. The process of referrals will be handled with greater efficiency and will allow the communication of accurate information more quickly and securely. This will result in fewer delays in arranging appointments.”
Mr McGimpsey added that the initiative would deliver “substantial savings” for the Health Service.