Three doctors now serving 293,000

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey advised: "It is anticipated that the reconfiguration of the out-of-hours service in the western area will result in annual savings of 10.6% on the overall running costs incurred for out-of-hours services."

He was responding to a query by DUP MLA George Robinson who asked him to to detail the estimated percentage saving to the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) as a result of the reconfiguration of the out-of-hours GP service.

Three mobile doctors and a triage nurse now operate the GP out-of-hours service during the Red-Eye Shift - between midnight and 8.30am.

A recent analysis of the shift showed there are an average of 7.1 face-to-face consultations at Altnagelvin, 2.3 at Limavady Health Centre, and 2.4 at Strabane Health Centre.

In Omagh the figure was 3 and in Enniskillen 3.4 - 18.2 per Red-Eye shift across the entire Western area.

A reduction in the number of doctors from 5 to 3 on the shift was "necessary to bring expenditure into line with available funds and to deliver a more efficient service," Mr Paul Cavanagh Commissioning Lead of the Health and Social Care Board informed Derry City Council in April.

Mr Cavanagh promised there will be a further three GPs on-call if required during any unexpected busy periods.

"It is important to note that the timescales for

appointments as set out in the NI Quality Standards will continue to be met," he wrote.

"Following the introduction of the changes, the HSCB (West) and WUC will monitor activity and waiting times for an agreed period."

Mr Cavanagh also advised the Board would be willing to provide fortnightly reports to Derry City Council

detailing activity and waiting times.

"There will be minimal impact to patients," he stated. "A nurse will be available to triage all calls; patients will be seen in their local centres by a GP within the current timescales; and those patients who require a home visit will continue to receive one.

"If the Council wishes to arrange a meeting to discuss the changes, I will attend at your request."