Electronic referrals for Health Service – McGimpsey

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said today that capacity for electronic referrals will be introduced into all GPs surgeries by 2012.

A pilot electronic referral scheme will begin in January 2011 involving GP practices in the Southern Trust area and will then be rolled out to all 356 GP surgeries in Northern Ireland, when all GP referrals to consultant-led clinics will be electronic.

The Minister said: “The Electronic Referrals project is the latest development in the use of new technology in our Health Service.

“The introduction of the system will bring many benefits for patients. The process of referrals will be handled with greater efficiency and will allow the communication of accurate information more quickly and securely. This will result in fewer delays in arranging appointments.”

The Minister continued: “As demand on the Health Service increases, this new system will make a significant difference in the management of patient referrals. Rather that the administrative burden of the current system for GPs, practice staff and hospital staff, they will be able to track the progress of a particular referral. This will deliver substantial savings.”

Notes to editors

1. The success of electronic referrals technology is already proven in Scotland and Wales.

2. Capital investment in the Electronic Referrals project amounts to £824,000.

3. It is intended that all GP referrals to specialities in Northern Ireland will become electronic.

4. Media enquiries to DHSSPS press office on 028 9052 0074. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.