Face time consultation - how would you feel about your doctor checking you out over the phone?

Feb 01, 2019, 11:18 AM

Have you tried getting a doctor's appointment recently? Northern Ireland has the lowest number of GPs per head of population in the UK - just 6.1 per 10,000 patients. And some practices are reporting up to a two-week wait to see a doctor of your choice. The NHS in England is revolutionising GP services in a bid to cut waiting times. As part of a £4.5 billion investment, it's starting recruiting 22,000 pharmacists, physios and paramedics who will see patients with minor conditions. And who decides what is a minor condition? Receptionists will question patients about their illness and direct them to a doctor or other medical professional. Stephen spoke to Belfast GP Dr George O'Neill, businessman and Conservative Party member Irwin Armstrong and the commentator Tina Calder.