Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government which NHS General Practices in Northern Ireland have ceased to function as such in each of the last three years; how many patients belonged to those Practices; which NHS General Practices in Northern Ireland have currently given notice that they intend to cease to function; and how many patients will be affected in each of those Practices.

Health is the responsibility of the Department of Health in Northern Ireland and figures relating to GP closures and mergers are available on the website of the Health and Social Care Board. Although there have been a small number of closures, the average number of patients per practice has increased and the number of GPs has increased. Some practices have merged in order to provide a broader range of services.