Commenting on the report 'Voices of Concern', from the Commissioner from Older People in Northern Ireland, Dr Alan Stout, BMA Northern Ireland Council Chair said, “This report covers a range of issues raised by older people in relation to the health service in Northern Ireland including GP services and waiting times. From the report it is clear access to good health services are very important to older people.

“In the report you can clearly hear the anxiety and frustration expressed by older patients about access to care and we understand the worry that comes from feeling it is not easy to see or speak to the right person about your health and ongoing care. 

“We agree that access to hospital care in Northern Ireland takes too long with unacceptable waits for outpatient appointments, diagnostics and inpatient treatment now routine. Waiting too long affects pain relief, mobility, access to life saving care, as well as having a huge impact on quality of life. 

“It is important to be clear, however, that the access problems described in the report are not the result of indifference or lack of effort by GPs or practice staff. They are the consequence of sustained and growing pressures on general practice, rising need from an ageing population, fewer GP practices, larger patient lists, workforce shortages, and years of underfunding. Many practices have had to adopt telephone and triage systems as a way to manage demand that otherwise would be unmanageable.

“The current situation is not sustainable, we have said that many times. Restoring general practice and improving waiting times and emergency care requires a clear, long term plan to stabilise and invest in services, support and retain the medical workforce, and match capacity to population need. With the right support, GPs and hospital doctors can continue to deliver the personal, trusted care that older patients value and deserve.”