Cllr Doyle Secures Guarantee Racecourse Medical Patients Won't Be Left Without GP
Aontú Cllr for Ballyarnett Emmet Doyle has secured a guarantee from the Department of Health that patients at Racecourse Medical will not be left without access to a GP and that the Western Trust could step in and run the practice should no contractor be forthcoming.
Cllr Doyle:
"Department of Health officials attended a Special Council meeting that I had called for today regarding the current situation with Racecourse Medical and Bridge St Medical GP surgeries who have handed back their contracts.
I raised the concerns that both patient and staff have around access to a sustainable GP service and the jobs in those surgeries.
We know now that staff will be transferred over to any potential new contractor and therefore there should be no job losses and I received a guarantee that regardless of what will happen between now and 31st May, there will be a GP service available to those registered in Racecourse.
Officials informed us that they are 'confident' that contractors will be appointed for both Racecourse and Bridge Street and I am heartened by that as I'm sure my constituents will be.
Interviews for potential contractors are being held soon and whilst there is a need for this process to be finalised quickly, I am glad to be able to allay the fears of those who have contacted me concerned about access to a GP.
I intend to keep in contact with the Department as this process moves forward to ensure there are no gaps in service as any potential new contractor takes the reigns in Shantallow." CRÍOCH