Northern Ireland GPs to use electronic referrals

The southern trust area pilot will begin in January 2011, with electronic referrals implemented in all 356 GP surgeries in Northern Ireland by 2012, the government said. "The electronic referrals project is the latest development in the use of new technology in our health service," said health minister Michael McGimpsey. "The introduction of the system will bring many benefits for patients. The process of referrals will be handled with greater efficiency and will allow the communication of accurate information more quickly and securely. This will result in fewer delays in arranging appointments." The government disclosed that the total capital spending on electronic referrals is £824,000. "Rather than the administrative burden of the current system for GPs, practice staff and hospital staff, they will be able to track the progress of a particular referral. This will deliver substantial savings," McGimpsey added.