Patsy McGlone 25th February 2008

Written Answer from the Minister for Health

GP Telephone Service

Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of cases that were referred by the pilot out-of-hours on-call GP telephone service, to a location outside the Magherafelt and Cookstown District Council area; and to outline locations concerned.

(AQW 3891/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: In the period 22 January 2008 to 11 February 2008 17 patients have been referred to Accident & Emergency Centres outside the District Council areas mentioned, these being the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine and the Antrim Area Hospital. During the same period 33 patients have been referred to Primary Care Centres in Ballymena, Coleraine, Moneymore and Whiteabbey. Patients referred under this service are directed to attend the nearest Centre irrespective of Council boundaries.

ENDS 25/02/08