Northern GP Federation Support Unit celebrates another successful Medical Administration Academy

The photo accompanying this release features participants who have successfully completed this latest academy, alongside key individuals from the project: Hayley Barr and Rhonda Lynn from Mid & East Antrim Labour Market Partnership (MEALMP), and Hannah Wilson and Naomi Hutchinson from Northern GP Federation Support Unit.

The Northern GP Federation Support Unit (NFSU) has marked the successful completion of another Medical Administration Academy, delivered in partnership with the Mid & East Antrim Labour Market Partnership (MEALMP).

The innovative academy is designed to equip participants with the specialist skills and knowledge needed to thrive in medical administration roles within GP practices across the region.

Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships (LMPs) create targeted employment action plans for local council areas, supporting individuals towards and into sustainable work through collaborative initiatives.

The most recent academy began on 9 September 2025, with participants attending structured sessions twice weekly. The programme concluded this week with a celebration event recognising the achievements of all who took part.

Throughout the course, participants received comprehensive training tailored to the needs of general practice, covering essential topics including GP clinical systems, confidentiality and GDPR, patient communication, and care navigation.

The academy also focused on employability and personal development skills, ensuring graduates are now well-prepared to take on roles within GP practices and contribute to the delivery of high-quality patient care.

A celebration event held on Thursday 23 October at the Ecos Hub, Ballymena, recognised the commitment, engagement, and success of participants.

Many shared how the experience had improved their confidence and understanding of general practice, with some already progressing into shadowing placements — and one participant securing employment as a Medical Administrator within a GP practice.

One participant commented,

“Well worth attending, it gave classroom and practical work experience, all in a friendly and approachable way.”

Naomi from the Northern GP Federation Support Unit said,

“We are thrilled to see another cohort successfully complete the Medical Administration Academy. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by participants has been impressive, and it’s rewarding to know that they are now well positioned to begin meaningful careers within general practice.”

Hayley from the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership added,

“This partnership highlights the value of collaboration between local councils and healthcare organisations in developing pathways into employment. We’re proud to support initiatives that build local skills and strengthen our community workforce.”

NFSU and MEALMP extended their thanks to all participants, facilitators, and partner GP practices involved in the programme’s success, expressing enthusiasm for continuing similar initiatives to build the local healthcare administration workforce.