AQW 22194/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health whether it is protocol for someone living in Northern Ireland, who has been initially treated in the Republic of Ireland but needs further, non-urgent, outpatient care in Northern Ireland, to be sent to an Emergency Department.
Asked by Michelle Guy MLA on 7 February 2025
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 7 February 2025
- Answer due by
- 24 February 2025
- Answered
- 7 March 202528 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
There is no formal protocol about referring patients to Emergency Departments for follow up treatment after initial treatment abroad. GPs will use their clinical judgement when referring patients to secondary care. This could be to out-patient care for non-urgent follow-up, or to an Urgent Care Centre or Emergency Department for care that is time critical such as fracture management.