Weight Loss Injections
GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections – Important Patient Information
We understand that many people are interested in newer weight management treatments, such as GLP-1 injections (for example Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy). At present, these medicines are not available on prescription for weight loss from GPs in Northern Ireland. They may be used in the treatment of diabetes, following specific criteria.
In some parts of the UK, GLP-1 injections may be prescribed through specialist weight management services. However, there is currently no commissioned specialist weight management service in Northern Ireland, which means these treatments are not available through the NHS here at this time. Please see statement from the Department of Health here.
If you are seeking support with weight management, you can consider self-referral to the Momenta programme, run by the South Eastern Trust.
We will continue to keep patients updated if prescribing guidance or service provision changes in the future.
Test Results
Test results can be obtained by contacting reception any morning after 9.30am. Unless we have the express written permission, to ensure confidentiality, test results will only be given to patients themselves. This does not apply to children under the age of 16.
Patients are requested to wait at least five working days before contacting the surgery for the results of blood and other tests. This gives time for the tests to be processed by the laboratories; results viewed and interpreted by doctors and nurses who will make decisions about any course of treatment.
Tests or results that require immediate action or treatment will be dealt with appropriately, in some instances the doctor or nurses may telephone the patient directly.
Receptionists are trained in confidentiality and authorised to report on some test results, as these have already been viewed by the doctor, who has left instructions, however abnormal or sensitive results will not be reported by receptionists. (e.g. Pregnancy; Smears)
Sick Lines
Patients must consult with a doctor either by telephone or appointment in order to receive a sick line. Doctor’s sick lines cover absence from work for 7 days or more. Periods of absence from 1-6 days are covered using a Self Certificate. You can download the SSP form here.
The Statutory Sick Pay Regulations state that employers are required to accept self-certification notes (filled in by you) for the first seven days of illness. We cannot issue Doctor’s certificates to Walk In patients.
Carers
If you are a patient with a carer, or you are the carer of one of our patients, we will be happy to help with referral to social services or other agencies to assist wth this role. Please contact the reception office. It is also helpful for us to be able to record carers’ contact details on our computer system. Please advise us if you are unhappy for this to happen.