22 September 2015
RCGPNI Response to End of Private Contracts ‘Helped to Fuel NHS Waiting Crisis’
The RCGPNI would only view the use of the private sector as a stop gap measure
Responding to the latest news that Northern Ireland is the only region in the UK that is not using the private health sector to clear hospital waiting lists, Dr John O’Kelly, Chair of the Royal College of GPs Northern Ireland, said:
"It is deeply worrying to hear about the rise in hospital waiting times. As a GP, I regularly encounter patients who spend months waiting on much needed operations and can understand the discomfort and distress that this can cause to patients and their families.
"The RCGPNI would only view the use of the private sector as a stop gap measure.
"Patients should be allowed choice in where and how they are treated. Issues of governance, poor communication and the appropriateness of certain categories of patients being seen in the private sector would need to be addressed.
"The Royal College of GPs Northern Ireland supports an NHS led health service. We recognise the difficulties that the health service is facing at present. Recently, the RCGPNI launched our strategy document to outline a way forward for the health service in Northern Ireland and we remain committed to working with politicians and the Department of Health.”
Notes to Editors
1. The Royal College of General Practitioners is the largest membership organisation in the United Kingdom solely for GPs. It aims to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and to act as the ‘voice’ of GPs on issues concerned with education; training; research; and clinical standards. Founded in 1952, the RCGP has just over 50,000 members who are committed to improving patient care, developing their own skills and promoting general practice as a discipline.
2. If you would like any further information, please contact Ashleigh Simpson on Telephone: 020 3188 7722 Email:Ashleigh.simpson@Rcgp.org.uk
Further Information
RCGP Press office: 020 3188 7574/7575/7581
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk
Notes to editor
The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 50,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.