Debate contribution: GP Indemnity Arrangements

Debate contribution by Mr Mike Nesbitt on 18 February 2025.

MLA: Mr Mike Nesbitt
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 18 February 2025
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: GP Indemnity Arrangements
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 4806386

Text

I recognise that arrangements for clinical negligence indemnity are a matter of concern for GPs locally. My Department has been exploring options for a long-term future for GP indemnity. I recognise that progress in that work has taken longer than expected. However, in fairness, that reflects the complexity of the issue. I had committed to the work concluding with proposals for a long-term solution by the end of the 2024 calendar year. I am pleased to advise that, after careful consideration of a wide range of options, I have identified what is, I believe, the best, most appropriate option to address this key issue for the longer term. As part of the 2025-26 contract negotiations, my Department met the Northern Ireland General Practitioners Committee. We have provided details of the long-term proposal. I am hopeful that we will be able to reach agreement on that important matter soon. I am aware that representatives of that committee have briefed the Health Committee on the indemnity offer. As that is still the subject of an ongoing negotiation, it would not be appropriate to comment on the detail of those discussions.

188 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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