Almost 2,500 residents in south Derry have been left in limbo after the Department of Health formally announced the closure of one of the main GP practices in Magherafelt at the end of this month.
Fairhill Medical Centre, which has 2,334 patients registered at the practice, will close its doors for the final time on October 31 after no new GP could be found to fill a vacancy.
Previous GP Dr Richard Hunter informed the Department of his intention to resign from the position several months ago.
The Department confirmed that patients will now be transferred to one of 13 neighbouring practices.
“Since the contractor submitted notice to the Department on 31 July 2024 of their intention to terminate the GMS contract, the Department has worked extensively to identify a new GP contractor to take over the practice,” the Department of Health said.
“As of today, October 15, unfortunately, despite the best efforts of all parties involved, a new GP contractor has not been secured and it is anticipated Fairhill Health Centre will close on 31 October 2024.
“Having exhausted all other options, we have concluded that allocation to neighbouring practices is the only feasible option to ensure continuity of GP services for patients.
“There are currently 2,334 patients registered at Fairhill Health Centre. Patients will be allocated to one of 13 nearby GP surgeries in the Magherafelt and Mid-Ulster areas to ensure that patients continue to have access to a GP which is a priority for the Department,” the Department continued.
“Patients of the practice should continue to access services at Fairhill as normal.”
It’s understood all affected patients will now receive letters over the next week informing them of the new arrangements which will begin on November 1.
“The Department acknowledges that this is not the preferred outcome for many patients and would like to reassure them that all options were considered in trying to sustain a GP surgery in Magherafelt town centre,” it continued.
“Throughout this process, we have considered the continuation of care of the registered patients and have recommended the best approach to limit the impact on their ongoing needs for access to GP services.
“General Practice plays a crucial role in our health and social care system and stabilisation of GP practices remains a key priority. The Department continues to support General Practice with the aim of ensuring people can access high-quality, sustainable services now and in the future.
“The Department will continue to work with GP representatives to support the continued sustainability of General Practice and the GP workforce.”
The British Medical Association, which represents GPs, has previously warned that dozens of practices in Northern Ireland are at risk of closure.
Mid-Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone said it was now essential that all affected patients are made aware of new arrangements as quickly as possible.
“People need to know that their access to GPs will not be affected, that any ongoing treatment will continue uninterrupted, and that clinics will still be available,” the SDLP MLA said.
“In particular, I have asked the Health Minister what measures are being taken to ensure the safety and care of patients from Fairhill Health Centre following its closure.
“Despite the Rural Needs Act and other legislation, there appears to be little real protection for rural services. We have seen cut after cut, particularly to health services, in rural areas for years.
“The Minister needs to ensure that any solution he implements does not further destabilise the remaining GP practices or compromise the overall stability of primary care services in the region.”
News Catch Up – Tuesday 15 October