To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) what diagnostic and elective services will be delivered as part of the development of Causeway Hospital as a diagnostic and elective hub; and (ii) how this model will improve access to care and reduce waiting times for patients in East Londonderry.

As independent contractors, and in order to provide the services that they are contracting for, GPs will be required to meet the required training and competency standards.

All doctors wishing to become GPs undertake training covering a wide range of conditions including menopause.

GPs are ultimately responsible for ensuring that they maintain their own continuous professional development (CPD) in order to keep their knowledge, skills and training up to date. This includes participation in annual appraisal and in Revalidation, the requirements of which are set by the General Medical Council (GMC). Every licensed doctor must revalidate to show that they are fit to practise and to maintain their licence to work in the UK.

My Department have endorsed the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on the identification and management of menopause, updated in November 2024.

I have a number of initiatives which are designed to ensure that GPs and Practices can access training readily and at a time that is convenient.

GPNI was established during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure effective communication was maintained, with all those working within GP Primary Care. This service is commissioned from the Eastern GP Federation Support Unit. The GPNI website and webinars are now widely accepted as a key regional communications platform designed to improve dissemination of, and access to, information for Primary Care practitioners.

Practice Based Learning (PBL) is a programme of learning sessions for GP’s and the wider General Practice staff. The aim of PBL is to encourage dedicated time to be set aside for educational sessions to contribute to the continued professional development of GPs and their Practice Staff.

Provision of PBL was previously developed by the then Health & Social Care Board (HSCB) for all GP Practices, however from March 2020 the Strategic Planning & Performance Group (SPPG) commissions the provision of PBL from the Federations for their member Practices. They have provided a cost-effective programme of ongoing learning for their GPs, nurses and wider Practice staff.