Over 1,350 vasectomy procedures delivered locally by GPs

Date published: 11 November 2026

Health Minister Robbie Butler highlighted the progress during a visit to Bovally Medical Centre in Limavady where he met GP and Clinical Lead Dr Joe Devlin to hear how the Primary Care Elective Service is improving access to care.

During 2025/26, a total of 1,418 patients were seen and 1,352 non-scalpel vasectomy procedures carried out through the regional service. These figures compare to the total of 600 patients who were treated in primary care just two years before.  Bovally Medical Centre alone delivered 327 procedures last year, with a further 178 undertaken in the first six months (April – September) of 2026/27.

Speaking during the visit, Health Minister Robbie Butler said: “Behind these figures are patients who have been able to access the care they need closer to home, without having to join a hospital waiting list.

“This is exactly the kind of practical change we need to see across our health service. Our focus is on ensuring patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.  

“Our Neighbourhood model is about GP practices, hospitals and community services working as one to improve access to care and reduce waiting times. I want to thank Dr Devlin and the dedicated GP and practice teams involved. They demonstrate how working together can make a real difference for patients.”

The regional Primary Care Vasectomy Service currently operates across seven host GP practices, with 18 GPs with Enhanced Skills delivering assessment and treatment. Local GP practices can refer eligible patients to a participating host practice, enabling patients to access the service within primary care.

Dr Joe Devlin, GP at Bovally Medical Centre in Limavady and one of two Clinical Leads for the regional service, said: “Providing routine vasectomy procedures in primary care means patients receive high-quality assessment and treatment in a local, community based setting.

“At Bovally Medical Centre, we carried out 327 procedures last year and a further 178 in the first six months of this year. These figures demonstrate the important contribution GP practices can make to improving access to planned care.

“This model allows us to use the specialist skills of experienced GPs to provide an efficient and accessible service for patients, while helping to ease demand on hospital services.”

Minister Butler added: “Improving access to planned care and reducing waiting times remain key priorities. Delivering more services closer to home is an important part of our work to build a health service that is more responsive to patients’ needs and sustainable for the future.”