MDTs are one of the flagship initiatives being rolled out as part of the Health and Wellbeing 2026: Delivering Together initiative which was launched in 2016 setting out a vision for the transformation of Health and Social Care here. The vision was based on the report of the Expert Panel, led by Professor Rafael Bengoa.

They seek to transform the way in which health and social care services are delivered in Northern Ireland, with a focus on person-centred care, rather than buildings and structures. It is widely accepted that without transformation our health and social care system will become increasingly outdated and unsustainable.

MDTs involve the establishment of practice-based physiotherapists, mental health specialists and social workers within GP practices providing enhanced access to health and social care services within a primary care setting. This will see local GP practices focus not just on managing ill-health, but also on the physical, mental and social wellbeing of communities. MDTs will also have enhanced numbers of Health Visitors and District Nurses, allowing them to spend more time with patients. 

MDTs will help to radically reform the way services are delivered by seeking to address any issues that patients face at the earliest opportunity and providing access to a range of experts. There will be an increased focus on prevention and early intervention initiatives, with the aim of ensuring that patient’s needs are met at the earliest possible opportunity, reducing the need for onward referrals into secondary care services. 

In time it is hoped that this will reduce the need for referrals and pressure on secondary care service, release GPs to focus on treating those patients who most urgently require their care, by ensuring that patients see the most appropriate professional within the primary care setting and ensure that General Practice in NI is sustained for the future.

Patients registered to an MDT practice will be able to book an appointment directly with any of these new services, without first having to see their GP.