It is critical that patients have access to GP services when they are in need, Health Minister Robin Swann stated following reports that people are having difficulty obtaining GPs.

Mr. Swann also said it was regrettable that “for so long obvious problems were left unaddressed”.

His statement comes after BBC News Northern Ireland highlighted the difficulties people face when attempting to see a GP.

Additionally, doctors have observed severe strains on services.

The Royal College of General Practitioners stated on Wednesday that the phone-first strategy implemented by the majority of GP practices at the outset of the Covid-19 outbreak is here to stay.

However, some residents informed BBC News Northern Ireland that the system was ineffective, a criticism acknowledged by Dr Ursual Mason of the Royal College of GPs, who stated that there were insufficient GPs to meet patients.

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