By Alan Rodgers
THE Western Health Trust has confirmed that work is underway to deliver new multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) to GP practices across Fermanagh and Omagh, following the announcement of £61 million in health funding.
Local GP practices have been calling for the wider introduction of multi-disciplinary teams locally in recent years.
Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, has welcomed the financial boost from Stormont, which is aimed at boosting the range of services being provided within GP practices. The plans were announced at the beginning of March, but the details of where the new MDT teams will be based have still to be finalised.
The MDT Programme is a partnership between GP Federations and HSC Trusts. It introduces new physiotherapy, social work and mental health roles into general practice to work alongside the existing practice team. It aims to help shift the health service from treating illness to supporting good physical and mental health and social wellbeing.
Speaking at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s health meeting last week, Geraldine McKay, director of Unscheduled Care Medicine, Cancer and Clinical Services with the Trust told councillors that discussions about where the money will be allocated were still ongoing.
“A very initial update is that we are working closely with the SPPG and the South West GP Federation to develop and implementation plan for this additional funding,” she said.
“It will be used to placemulti-disciplinary teams in GP practices in Fermanagh and Omagh.”
Councillors expressed the hope that the MDTs will in time ease the burden being faced by GPs.
The South West GP Federation welcome the recent announcement of MDT expansion across Omagh and Fermanagh GP Practices. They said that they are looking forward to welcoming additional clinicians in the coming months.
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