Written question asked by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 1 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 December 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 December 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement on plans for out-of-hours GP cover in the Kilkeel and Annalong areas from 1st January 2005.

Answer: Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on plans for out-of-hours GP cover in the Kilkeel and Annalong areas from 1 January 2005. [202587] Angela Smith: From 1 January 2005 statutory responsibility for the provision of general practitioner out-of-hours services will transfer to health and social services boards. The Southern Health and Social Services Board, in considering the provision of out-of- hours cover for the Kilkeel/Annalong area has sought to address access difficulty by investigating the provision of out-posted GP services, developing a nurse led minor injury unit in Kilkeel and making transport available to those without access to private transport. The board has advised that prior to 6 December 2004, out-of-hours services in the Kilkeel/Annalong area, were provided by GPs who work in the area and residents did not have access to the out-of-hours centre which is situated in Newry. However, from 6 December the population of Kilkeel/Annalong has access to the full range of services provided by the out-of-hours centre.

Secondary information