Over 2.07 million patients registered with a GP in Northern Ireland
Date published:
New accredited official statistics by NISRA statisticians in the Business Services Organisation (BSO) reveal that the number of patients registered with a GP in Northern Ireland continues to grow.
Key findings
- Figures for quarter two of 2025/26 show that 2,072,134 patients were registered with GP practices, up 0.2% on the previous quarter and 0.5% compared with the same period last year.
- Patient registrations (including new patients and transfers) increased by 12% compared with the previous quarter, rising from 20,583 in Q1 to 23,059 in Q2 of 2025/26. Over the past year, however, total registrations have fallen slightly by 1.3%.
- The total number of GPs now stands at 1,477, an increase of 158 compared with 2017/18. Gender breakdown shows 894 female GPs and 583 male GPs, continuing a trend of growth in female representation within the profession.
- The number of GP practices remains unchanged at 305 this quarter, although this is a 1% decrease compared with the same period last year.
About the publication
This report presents summary statistical information on registered patients, new registrations per practice, general practices, and general practitioners throughout Northern Ireland .This quarterly series is a subset of the annual information, with data provided for certain key tables.
The General Medical Services Statistics for Northern Ireland 2019/20 to 2024/25 annual reports contain high-level information on Primary Care services in Northern Ireland, with comparisons to previous years. Annual data is supplemented by annex tables providing more detailed information and year-on-year comparisons.
Further information
Read the full report: General Medical Services for Northern Ireland, Quarterly Series to Q2 2025/26
View more information and data tables: General Medical Services Statistics