To ask the Minister of Health whether his Department has any plans to roll out a training programme for primary care physicians, to enhance understanding of coeliac disease.

Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts have confirmed there is no specific coeliac awareness training provided to medical practitioners. Practitioners will, however, be aware of the symptoms and approaches to treatment as part of their initial training in general medicine. Postgraduate training is also undertaken by practitioners in a range of areas including gastroenterology as part of their continued professional development.

The diagnosis and subsequent treatment of this condition is fully supported by recognised pathways within general practice. On presentation of symptoms, GPs will make an assessment and programme a number of tests to identify possible causes. The test results will help guide the GP to a conclusion on potential causes which in the case of coeliac will prompt the referral for blood test and subsequent scope referral if appropriate. In addition, regular awareness sessions for primary care are undertaken across a range of specialties. This includes the promotion of benign gastrointestinal pathways including coeliac awareness.

Established primary care pathways are in place, including initial blood testing and, where appropriate, referral to secondary care for outpatient assessment and endoscopic investigations to support diagnosis.

Healthcare professionals across primary and secondary care within HSC continue to engage with relevant charitable organisations and voluntary groups to support patient awareness, education, and ongoing condition management.

Ongoing GP education and training ensure that primary care professionals remain aware of the symptoms, testing requirements, and referral pathways associated with coeliac disease.