A  project operating in two areas along the border allows patients to access urgent GP services across the border which are closer to their home.  

The new service was developed by Co-operation and Working Together(CAWT), a partnership of Health Boards and Trusts in the border region, with the support of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland and the Department of Health and Children in Ireland.

The first pilot scheme started in January 2007, allowing patients living in border areas of Inishowen, County Donegal to access Northern Ireland GP Out-Of-Hour services in Derry.  The second scheme, which began in November 2007, allows those living in border areas of South Armagh to avail of urgent GP Out-Of-Hours services in Castleblaney, Monaghan.

This service recognises the unique circumstances that exist in the Irish border region, where 70,000 patients who may need access to primary care outside normal hours would be better served in the other jurisdiction.

Health providers have integrated professional, legislative, technical, pharmacy, financial, secondary services and social care to offer the same level and quality of care on both sides of the border with improved access.  To date over 200 patients have used this service proving that cross-border health care is workable, practical and acceptable.

The Centre for Cross Border Studies is evaluating the service with a view to establishing if and how the service could be rolled-out along the entire border region.

For further details see www.cawt.com

Eligible areas in Donegal

Eligible areas in South Armagh