AQW 23756/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health to detail any recourse patients have when a private medical practice closes prior to the competition of diagnosis, assessment or treatment.

Asked by Peter McReynolds MLA on 4 March 2025

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
  • Priority
Tabled
4 March 2025
Answer due by
7 March 2025
Answered
11 March 20257 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
Yes

Answer

If a service user/patient is dissatisfied with the standard of care and treatment (or lack thereof) from a provider that has now ceased operating they may share their concerns with the relevant professional regulatory body (for example: GMC, GDC, NMC, NISCC, HCPC); the provider's medico-legal indemnifier; or commence legal action against the provider.

If the service was registered with RQIA it would treat this as intelligence to determine if there was sufficient evidence of a breach of the relevant regulations or minimum standards, and consider any follow up action required.

Official sources