Will additional resources ease pressure on general practice in Northern Ireland?
GPs in Northern Ireland have broadly welcomed an announcement of a further £8.8m investment in general practice.
More than half — £4.54m — will be used to build on the practice-based pharmacy initiative, which should see around 200 pharmacists working in GP premises by the end of the year.
The money
The money, to fund the 2018/19 general medical services (GMS) contract, also includes money to cover increased medical indemnity costs, to cover the costs of demographic change, and to improve premises.
BMA Northern Ireland GP leader Tom Black said the money was welcome but that the environment for general practice remained challenging.
Further information
Department of Health: £8.8m investment in GP services announced