Health Minister has commended the vital role
of primary care elective services in reducing waiting lists for
gynaecology outpatients, vasectomy and minor surgeries.
During a visit to Glengormley Practice, Minister Nesbitt heard
about how the GPs have been seeing patients with gynaecological
problems who were referred to secondary care. GP elective
services (GPEC) include essential services such as local
anaesthetic vasectomies, gynaecology procedures and minor
surgery, reducing pressures on hospital waiting lists.
The Glengormley Practice is one of 19 host practices across
Northern Ireland specialising in the assessment and treatment of
gynaecological conditions. Representatives from other practices
performing vasectomies also attended the visit, explaining how
their service has expanded to serve their local communities.
Minister Nesbitt met with GPs and practice staff to discuss the
expansion of primary care capacity, commenting: “I am pleased to
see the £2.9million funding set aside for the primary care
elective service is making a real difference, reducing hospital
waiting lists for routine procedures and improving patient
outcomes. Over 15,260 face-to-face and remote consultations have
been delivered in 2025/26, underscoring the importance of GP
practices in the roll out of the Neighbourhood model, an approach
to help people receive more proactive and specialist care closer
to home.”
Collectively, GPs with Enhanced Skills (GPwES) delivered over
1,450 vasectomies in the last year, an increase of almost 400
surgeries compared to the previous year. In addition, 6,000
gynaecology patients were assessed and approximately 3,000
procedures completed.
Minister Nesbitt said the impact this model is having on waiting
lists has been life changing for many patients. “The
Neighbourhood model is a long-term approach to changing
healthcare, working in partnership with local providers to shape
services that work for the individual. Primary care elective
services are a positive example of the right care provided in the
right place at the right time, for the benefit of patients. This
valuable service has been critical in addressing waiting lists
and I look forward to other elective pathways being added.”
Dr Eimear McLaverty, Regional Elective Care Gynecology Clinical
Lead, welcomed the Minister's visit saying: “As GPs our focus is
always on providing the best care for our patients close to home.
This is why the elective care model has been so successful as we
know our patients' needs and have the enhanced clinical skills to
provide care that complements the skills of our secondary care
colleagues. We welcome the investment into GP elective care
services and are pleased to continue working in partnership with
our secondary care colleagues to provide a collaborative approach
to patient care and reduce waiting times.”
