A CROSS border
out-of-hours GP service piloted in Inishowen could
be used as a model for the entire border region.
More than 100 patients in areas of South Inishowen
such as Burnfoot, Burt and Inch have accessed Derry
GPs under the out-of-hours scheme since its
inception in January 2007. |
 |
The scheme is
co-ordinated by Co-operation and Working Together (CAWT)
in association with Western Urgent Care in Derry and
the NowDoc service in Donegal.
The pilot was extended earlier this week to South
Armagh and County Monaghan.
Northern Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said the
Inishowen/Derry pilot was central to establishing a
good cross border model for the future.
"I understand the Inishowen/Derry pilot has been
very much appreciated by those who have used it,"
said Mr. McGimpsey. |
"The out of hours
pilots are a good example of effective cross-border
co-operation enabling patients to obtain a valuable
service closer to their home.”
“The current pilots are central to the future
development of a safe and high quality out of hours
service for patients in the border area and I look
forward to seeing the outcome of the pilots’
evaluation in due course.” |
