Stormont committee recalls health officials over ‘unacceptable’ GP access response

Senior health officials are being hauled back before a Stormont committee this week after what has been branded an “unacceptable” response to mounting concerns over access to GP services in Northern Ireland.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will question Department of Health officials on Thursday, 26 March, following sharp criticism that progress on fixing the struggling primary care system lacks urgency, clarity and credible delivery timelines.

“Deeply disappointed” by lack of urgency

The move comes after PAC members unanimously rejected the Department of Health’s latest update on GP access reforms, warning they will not accept prolonged strategic planning in place of real, tangible progress.

PAC Chair Daniel McCrossan MLA said the Committee had been “deeply disappointed” by the response, despite the Department formally or partially accepting its recommendations.

“At our meeting on 12 February, the Committee considered an official government reply from the Department of Health to recommendations set out in our report. We were deeply disappointed that it did not reflect the level of urgency that the evidence demanded,” he said.

“While DOH has formally or partially accepted our recommendations, its response lacks urgency, clarity and credible delivery timelines. In several critical areas, the projected implementation dates extend years into the future – without adequate justification or evidence of meaningful interim action.”

System “under significant strain”

The intervention follows a damning PAC report published in December 2025, which concluded that Northern Ireland’s primary care sector is in crisis, highlighting serious failings in how patients access GP services.

The report, based on an extensive inquiry, set out 10 recommendations aimed at improving access and addressing systemic weaknesses.

Its findings were shaped by evidence from stakeholders and more than 15,000 members of the public, many of whom shared firsthand experiences of difficulties securing GP appointments.

Mr McCrossan said that volume of testimony paints a stark picture of a system struggling to cope.

“Over 15,000 people took the time to share their experiences with this Committee, and Members continue to hear day and daily about the ongoing challenges they face when trying to access their GP,” he said.

“This response makes it clear that the Department does not appreciate the gravity of the crisis and its impact on the public.”

Officials summoned to explain next steps

In February, the Committee formally wrote to Department of Health Permanent Secretary Mike Farrar, requesting that senior officials return in person to provide a full account of their position and respond to members’ concerns.

Thursday’s session is expected to focus on how and when the Department plans to deliver meaningful improvements — and whether patients can expect any short-term relief.

The recall signals growing frustration at Stormont over the pace of change, with MLAs demanding concrete action rather than long-term plans.

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At a glance

• Stormont’s Public Accounts Committee has recalled senior health officials

• Concerns focus on access to GP services across Northern Ireland

• Committee describes Department of Health response as “unacceptable”

• Criticism centres on lack of urgency, clarity, and delivery timelines

• A 2025 report found the primary care system in crisis

• Over 15,000 people contributed evidence to the inquiry

• Officials will appear before the Committee on Thursday, 26 March

• MLAs want immediate action, not long-term planning

• Pressure is mounting for tangible improvements in GP access