NI GP practices score highly on QoF

GP practices in Northern Ireland earned almost 99% of the total points available to them under the Quality and Outcomes Framework in the last financial year.

The results for 2007/8, the first of the UK’s four home countries to be released, show that 361 GP practices in Northern Ireland took part in the QoF, earning an average of £119,812 each. The average percentage of points earned - 98.7% - was 1% point higher than last year.

Results from the patient experience survey in the QoF in Northern Ireland reveal a 100% patient satisfaction rating.

Dr Brian Dunn, chairman of the BMA’s General Practitioner Committee in Northern Ireland, said the results showed that Northern Ireland was providing excellent care.

He added: “I am delighted and proud to see these results because they not only reflect the great service being given to patients here but also the dedication and commitment of GPs in providing that service.

"Patients receive the same quality care right across Northern Ireland. Irrespective of where you live, the Quality & Outcomes Framework applies and patients rightly receive the same access to treatment whether they reside in a deprived area or a more prosperous one."

The results for the QoF in England and Scotland for 2007/8 are due to be published on 30 September.