To ask the Minister of Health to detail whether GPs have been provided with any updated guidance or training on identifying potential symptoms of bladder cancer.

As independent contractors, GPs are expected to have the appropriate training and skills for the services they provide.

All doctors who become GPs undertake comprehensive training which encompasses a wide range of conditions including cancer.

GP also need to maintain and update their skills knowledge through ongoing professional development including yearly appraisals and revalidation, in line with General Medical Council (GMC) requirements. Revalidation is how doctors demonstrate that they are still fit to practice and can therefore continue to work in the UK.

My Department supports the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on recognising and referring suspected bladder cancer, most recently updated in April 2026.

Alongside this, the Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) provides GPs with up-to-date advice on suspected cancer referrals, including clinical guidelines and referral pathways. Together, these help GPs to identify potential cancers early and ensure patients are referred quickly and appropriately.

There are also a number of initiatives in place to make training easier to access for GPs and practice teams. For example, GPNI was established during the Covid-19 pandemic to provide clear and consistent communication for those working within GP Primary Care. Since then it has grown into a widely used regional platform, offering a website and regular webinars to share information and resources.

Practice Based Learning (PBL) is another important element. It provides structured learning sessions and helps ensure that GPs and their teams have protected time for education and development,

Although it was originally developed by the former Health & Social Care Board (HSCB), since March 2020 it has been commissioned by the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) and delivered through GP Federations. It continues to offer a practical and a cost-effective way to support learning for GPs, nurses and the wider Practice team.