To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) what support is available to patients who are seeking to access hormone replacement therapy prescriptions; and (ii) any work that is ongoing to educate GPs around treatments for perimenopause and menopause.

GPs are often the first point of contact for patients seeking to access Hormone Replacement Therapy. Following a consultation GPs are best placed to advise on resources. This may include online resources that will educate and inform patients on perimenopause or menopause and any associated treatments recommended including hormone replacement therapy tailored to their individual circumstances.

As independent contractors, and in order to provide the services that they are contracting for, GPs will be required to meet the required training and competency standards.

All doctors wishing to become GPs undertake training covering a wide range of conditions including management of perimenopause and menopause.

I have a number of initiatives which are designed to ensure that GPs and Practices can access training readily and at a time that is convenient. These initiatives cover perimenopause, menopause and HRT prescribing.

GPNI was established during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure effective communication was maintained, with all those working within GP Primary Care. This service is commissioned from the Eastern GP Federation Support Unit and allocation for this service for 2024/25 is £50.5k. The GPNI website and webinars are now widely accepted as a key regional communications platform designed to improve dissemination of, and access to, information for Primary Care practitioners.

Practice Based Learning (PBL) is a programme of learning sessions for GP’s and the wider General Practice staff. The aim of these PBL is to allow dedicated time to be set aside for educational sessions to contribute to the continued professional development of GP’s and their Practice Staff.

Provision of PBL was previously developed by the then HSCB for all GP Practices, however from March 2020 SPPG commission the provision of PBL from the Federations for their member Practices. PBL is facilitated by local GP Federation Support Units and £178k has been allocated for PBL for the 24/25 year. They have provided a cost-effective programme of ongoing learning for their GPs, nurses and wider Practice staff.

GPs are ultimately responsible for ensuring that they maintain their own continuous professional development (CPD) in order to keep their knowledge, skills and training up to date. This includes participation in annual appraisal and in Revalidation, the requirements of which are set by the General Medical Council (GMC). Every licensed doctor must revalidate to show that they are fit to practise and to maintain their licence to work in the UK.

The Northern Ireland formulary maintained by the Regional Pharmacy and Medicines Management Team with the support of Panels for Prescribing Advice (PPA) provides evidence-based guidance on Hormone replacement therapy which is available to GPs.