Primary Care services in Northern Ireland at 'risk of collapse' without government intervention

Community pharmacists, GPs, dentists and optometrists must be protected from the National Insurance Contribution increases to continue delivering primary care services, the four bodies representing family practitioner services in Northern Ireland have said.

© Nappy/Unsplash

© Nappy/Unsplash

In a joint letter to the Health Minister, Community Pharmacy NI, the British Medical Association (NI), British Dental Association and Optometry NI have called on the Northern Ireland Executive to make the case to the UK Government for the protection of these vital services from increases in National Insurance Contributions, which risk the collapse of primary care in Northern Ireland.

The increase in national insurance contributions, from 13.8% to 15%, was unveiled as part of the Autumn Budget in October. 

Many of the providers, commissioned to deliver NHS primary care services in Northern Ireland on behalf of the Department of Health, operate as small businesses and are subject to this UK Government policy change.

In a joint statement from the four bodies, said: ‘These services are under extreme financial pressure, resulting in the closure of general practices and community pharmacies, the most rapid shrinkage of NHS Dentistry anywhere in the UK and reduced access to NHS optometry.

‘Without adequate protection from UK Government policy changes, the precarious position of family practitioner services in Northern Ireland will deteriorate further.

‘It is now an urgent imperative for the Northern Ireland Executive to make the case to the UK Government for the protection of primary care or risk the collapse of these vital services in communities across Northern Ireland.'

Government partners with supermarkets and food makers to tackle obesity epidemic

Government partners with supermarkets and food makers to tackle obesity epidemic

By Liz Wells 30 June 2025

A 'world-first' partnership between government and food retailers and manufacturers is set to tackle the obesity epidemic.

NHS App overhaul will 'break down barriers and reduce inequalities'

By Liz Wells 26 June 2025

The NHS App will be transformed to give every patient information, choice, and control of their healthcare.

Reports highlight ongoing challenges in early diagnosis of sepsis

By Liz Wells 25 June 2025

The recognition of sepsis remains an urgent and persistent safety risk, despite extensive national work and awareness campaigns, according to three reports p...


Popular articles by Liz Wells