Local Representative Groups

 

GPs are represented by a range of professional bodies and organisations in Northern Ireland. Those with the greatest influence are included below

  • All GP Practices in NI belong to a Federation. (more info here) There are 17 Federations in total covering the 1.8 million patient population and each has a GP Chairperson. 4 Federation Support Units (FSUs) provide administrative back-up. To find out more in your area you should contact the FSU admin lead for your Federation.

  • https://www.rcgp.org.uk/rcgp-near-you/rcgp-nations/rcgp-northern-ireland.aspx

    The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Northern Ireland aims to represent its members working in Northern Ireland and to address local issues and aspirations. It also aims to influence the work of the Royal College and governmental policy, where appropriate, in order to try and ensure Northern Ireland members' views are heard. RCGPNI represents over 1400 members in Northern Ireland, accounting for over 80% of all Northern Ireland GPs. Activities of RCGPNI include:

    Membership support

    • Representation on health committees and working groups

    • Political engagement

    • Joint liaisons and working strategies (including policy development) with other professional bodies

    • Consultation responses

    • Establishment and facilitation of working groups in areas such as quality, patient participation and membership development

    • Support for practice based staff

    • Provision of CPD courses and events

  • https://www.bma.org.uk/what-we-do/uk-national-and-regional-councils/uk-and-national/northern-ireland-council

    The BMA represents, supports and negotiates on behalf of all UK doctors and medical students. They are member-run and led, fighting for the best terms and conditions as well as lobbying and campaigning on the issues impacting the medical profession.

    Membership Benefits for those working in general practice in NI 

    • One month’s free membership

    • Free access to BMJ best practice

    • Practice health checks – members can request a 1:1 'health check' by a member of our employment law team. Practice managers can also contact us for assistance with staffing issues

    • Free access to Clinical Key

    • Tax & national insurance – comprehensive guidance available and guidance on fees for insurance reports.

    • BMA law – offers expert, cost effective legal advice with a generous member discount.

    • Independent financial advice

    • BMJ learning – we have a huge variety of CPD approved e-learning modules to help build your portfolio, plus career support via a mixture of events and on-line learning

    • Salaried, sessional & locum GPs – resources for you and your employers including handbooks, model contracts, advice for negotiations and employment rights.

    • Partnerships – BMA law provide a partnership drafting service.

    • Wellbeing – Counselling service open 24/7 every day of the year, available to members, non-members and their families. It is confidential and free of charge.

    Email -BMANorthernIreland@bma.org.uk or ring - 028 9026 9666

  • The NI Local Medical Committees (LMCs) represent all GPs. If you want to know more about the LMC in your area or get involved then go to their website to find your local representative. https://www.nilmc.org/

  • The GMC are the regulatory body for all doctors working in the UK. They are responsible for licencing and maintaining the Medical Register. They also provide educational resources, ethical guidance and work closely with a range of stakeholders across the UK

    https://www.gmc-uk.org

Video courtesy of QUBGP Society and Ulster Image (ulsterimage.com)