Minister Nesbitt highlights critical role of primary care elective services

Date published: 1 May 2026

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has commended the vital role of primary care elective services in reducing waiting lists for gynaecology outpatients, vasectomy and minor surgeries.

During a visit to Glengormley Practice, Minister Nesbitt heard about how the GPs have been seeing patients with gynaecological problems who were referred to secondary care. GP elective services (GPEC) include essential services such as local anaesthetic vasectomies, gynaecology procedures and minor surgery, reducing pressures on hospital waiting lists.

The Glengormley Practice is one of 19 host practices across Northern Ireland specialising in the assessment and treatment of gynaecological conditions. Representatives from other practices performing vasectomies also attended the visit, explaining how their service has expanded to serve their local communities.

Minister Nesbitt met with GPs and practice staff to discuss the expansion of primary care capacity, commenting: 

“I am pleased to see the £2.9million funding set aside for the primary care elective service is making a real difference, reducing hospital waiting lists for routine procedures and improving patient outcomes. Over 15,260 face-to-face and remote consultations have been delivered in 2025/26, underscoring the importance of GP practices in the roll out of the Neighbourhood model, an approach to help people receive more proactive and specialist care closer to home.”

Collectively, GPs with Enhanced Skills (GPwES) delivered over 1,450 vasectomies in the last year, an increase of almost 400 surgeries compared to the previous year. In addition, 6,000 gynaecology patients were assessed and approximately 3,000 procedures completed. 

Minister Nesbitt said the impact this model is having on waiting lists has been life changing for many patients. 

“The Neighbourhood model is a long-term approach to changing healthcare, working in partnership with local providers to shape services that work for the individual. Primary care elective services are a positive example of the right care provided in the right place at the right time, for the benefit of patients. This valuable service has been critical in addressing waiting lists and I look forward to other elective pathways being added.” 

Dr Eimear McLaverty, Regional Elective Care Gynecology Clinical Lead, welcomed the Minister’s visit saying: 

“As GPs our focus is always on providing the best care for our patients close to home. This is why the elective care model has been so successful as we know our patients’ needs and have the enhanced clinical skills to provide care that complements the skills of our secondary care colleagues. We welcome the investment into GP elective care services and are pleased to continue working in partnership with our secondary care colleagues to provide a collaborative approach to patient care and reduce waiting times.”