“The Multi-Disciplinary Team has been life-changing. It provides a more holistic approach to the delivery of care and it is integrated as part of your life. It is comforting to know this service is there. It is incredible.” These are the thoughts of Dundrum & Clough Surgery patient, Ciara Caudrey, as she praises the work of the Multi-Disciplinary Team.
Multi-disciplinary Teams in Primary Care are transforming the way in which healthcare services are delivered to patients in the South Eastern Trust area.
Attending a ‘Multi-Disciplinary Team’s Matter’ conference held at La Mon House Hotel, Health Minister, Robin Swann heard how Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs) in the South Eastern Trust play a pivotal role in shaping patient care within Primary Care.
MDT’s are the integration of various healthcare professionals, including First Contact Physiotherapists, Social Workers and Mental Health Practitioners, who work alongside existing GP practice teams. This collaboration facilitates enhanced access to Health and Social Care services within GP practices, providing a seamless and comprehensive approach to patient care. MDTs also include Health Visitors and District Nurses, allowing these professionals to dedicate more time to individual patient care.
Patients registered with MDT GP practices benefit from direct access to a range of services, enabling them to book appointments without the need for a consultation with their GP.
MDTs within Primary Care allow GP practices to focus not just on managing ill-health, but also on the physical, mental and social wellbeing of communities. There is an increased focus on prevention and early intervention initiatives, ensuring the needs of patients are met at the earliest possible opportunity, reducing the need for onward referrals into hospital and community services.
The development of MDT’s, funded through the Transformation Programme, is a central element of ‘Health and Wellbeing 2026: Delivering Together’, which seeks to transform the way in which Health and Social Care Services are delivered in Northern Ireland.
Encouraged to see the development of MDT’s within Primary Care, Health Minister, Robin Swann said, “I believe that the MDT Programme and the close collaboration between Trusts and GP Federations that underpins it, remains the key to stabilising vital Primary Care services in our communities, to ensure they can continue to provide high quality care to people, now and into the future. The MDT Programme is providing more care closer to people’s homes and improving access to early support and diagnosis.
“Through the rollout of MDT’s, we are beginning to move from a system focused only on treating illness to a system that provides holistic and proactive support to help practice populations maintain good physical and mental health and social wellbeing.”
Spearheading the Conference, Director of Primary Care and Older People, Clare-Marie Dickson commented, “The conference outlines our commitment to revolutionising how Health and Social Care is delivered in Primary Care within the South Eastern Trust. By prioritising person-centred care and collaborating among healthcare professionals, MDT’s are at the forefront of transforming Primary Care for the better.
“By harnessing the expertise of healthcare professionals, we can enhance accessibility and improve outcomes for our patients. The introduction of MDTs represent a pivotal step forward to a more integrated approach in Primary Care. We are fortunate to have the only fully implemented MDT in the Down area and are keen to have full roll out of MDT’s in all areas.”
Trust Chairman, Jonathan Patton highlighted the importance of rolling out MDTs in general practice. “The development of Primary Care MDTs are an example of innovation and progress, driving positive change for our patients across the South Eastern Trust, whilst bringing together healthcare professionals all under one roof.
“This transformation marks a step forward in revolutionising the delivery of healthcare for our patients. By integrating a range of healthcare professionals into Primary Care, we are empowering our teams to deliver comprehensive, person-centred care that enhances access to treatment for our patients.”
Chair of the Down GP Federation and General Practitioner in Dundrum & Clough Surgery, Dr Alex Greer explained how MDT’s are transforming Health and Social Care and added “The integration of MDT’s in general practice have had a profound impact on patient care. The traditional model of healthcare delivery, an individual GP, often bore the weight of diagnosing, treating and managing patient’s health concerns.
“The era of MDT’s in general practice has brought a shift that has redefined the way we approach healthcare delivery. One of the most significant benefits of MDT’s is their ability to provide comprehensive and holistic care. Each team member brings a unique set of skills, knowledge, and perspectives to the table, allowing more understanding of patients’ health concerns. This holistic approach enables teams to not only treat acute illnesses, but also to address underlying social, psychological, and behavioural factors that may impact patients’ wellbeing.
“As we navigate through evolving healthcare landscapes and confront new challenges, our commitment to the further expansion of MDT across Northern Ireland remains unwavering. By fostering an environment of trust, respect and open communication, we can continue to innovate, adapt and excel in delivering patient-centred care.”
The successful implementation of MDT’s requires the recruitment of additional staff to operate within GP practices. A significant program of capital investment in GP practice facilities is underway, ensuring that infrastructural support aligns with the changing needs of healthcare delivery.
In 2023, the MDT Team were successful in winning the Help You to Stay Healthy and Well category and were the overall winners in the Trust’s Chairman’s Awards.
