Minister hails ‘life-changing’ GP services cutting hospital waiting lists across Northern Ireland

(L-R): Dr Conor Gorman, Dr Eimear McLaverty, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Dr Joe Devlin at Glengormley Practice.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has praised the growing role of primary care elective services in tackling hospital waiting lists, describing the impact on patients as “life changing” following a visit to a leading GP practice.

During a visit to Glengormley Practice, the Minister saw first-hand how GPs are helping to reduce pressure on secondary care by treating patients locally for a range of conditions, including gynaecological issues, vasectomies and minor surgical procedures.

The initiative, known as GP elective care services, is designed to shift routine treatments out of hospitals and into community settings, allowing patients to access care closer to home while easing demand on overstretched hospital services.

£2.9 million investment delivering results

The Minister highlighted that £2.9 million in funding allocated to primary care elective services is already delivering measurable results across Northern Ireland.

“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,” Mr Nesbitt said.

Figures from 2025-26 show that more than 15,260 consultations - both face-to-face and remote - have been delivered through the scheme, underlining the expanding role of GP practices in modern healthcare delivery.

The services form part of the wider Neighbourhood model, a long-term strategy aimed at providing more proactive and specialist care within local communities rather than relying solely on hospital-based treatment.

Gynaecology and vasectomy services expanded

Staff at Glengormley Practice with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt during a visit to hear more about the elective services provided locally by GPs.

Glengormley Practice is one of 19 host practices across Northern Ireland specialising in the assessment and treatment of gynaecological conditions, with patients now being seen locally instead of facing lengthy hospital waits.

The Minister also met representatives from other practices delivering vasectomy services, who outlined how their provision has expanded significantly to meet growing demand in their communities.

Collectively, GPs with Enhanced Skills carried out more than 1,450 vasectomies in the past year - an increase of almost 400 procedures compared to the previous year.

At the same time, around 6,000 gynaecology patients were assessed through the service, with approximately 3,000 procedures completed, demonstrating the scale of activity now taking place outside hospital settings.

‘Right care in the right place at the right time’

Mr Nesbitt said the shift towards community-based care is central to transforming how healthcare is delivered in Northern Ireland.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The model is intended to not only reduce waiting times but also improve patient experience by delivering treatment in familiar, accessible settings.

GP leaders welcome continued expansion

Dr Eimear McLaverty, Regional Elective Care Gynaecology Clinical Lead, said the success of the initiative reflects the ability of GPs to provide specialist care within their communities.

“As GPs our focus is always on providing the best care for our patients close to home,” she said.

“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.”

She added that continued investment is key to sustaining progress and further reducing waiting times.

“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.”

With thousands of patients already treated through the programme and further expansion planned, the growing role of GP-led elective care is expected to remain a central pillar in efforts to ease pressure on Northern Ireland’s healthcare system.

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At a glance

• Health Minister Mike Nesbitt visited Glengormley Practice to review GP elective services

• £2.9 million invested in primary care elective services across Northern Ireland

• Over 15,260 consultations delivered in 2025-26

• 1,450 vasectomies carried out in the past year, up by nearly 400

• Around 6,000 gynaecology patients assessed and 3,000 procedures completed

• 19 GP practices now specialising in gynaecology services

• Scheme forms part of the wider Neighbourhood healthcare model