The Western Health and Social Care Trust is to take on the contract for a GP practice in Co Tyrone which was under threat following the current GP’s resignation.
There was widespread concern among local residents in recent weeks as local representatives talked of a looming ‘crisis’ at the Dromore and Trillick GP Practice, with current doctor Declan Morgan set to resign at the end of this month.
More than 5,500 patients are registered at the GP surgery, with several local representatives citing resident concerns that nearby GP practices are not taking on any new patients.
READ MORE: Major concern over looming GP 'crisis' in Dromore and Trillick
However, now the Western Trust has stepped in under an Alternate Provider of Medical Services (APMS) contract. This is only the second time one of these contracts has been put in place in Northern Ireland.
A statement from the Department of Health confirmed the Western Trust’s role in taking over the practice until at least March of next year.
“The Department of Health can confirm that the Western Health and Social Care Trust has agreed to take on the contract for the Dromore and Trillick GP Practice in Co Tyrone,” the Department said.
“Under this new temporary arrangement, the Trust will work with the Department to secure ongoing locum GP cover for the practice. The Trust will also oversee administrative support and the provision of pharmacy and social work services.
“This new arrangement will take effect from 1 July 2022 until March 2023. It follows extensive work to identify a new GP contractor to take over the practice, following the resignation of its current GP.
“Patients of the practice can be assured that its services will continue as normal under the new arrangement. They will receive letters on the situation over the coming days. Patients needing GP services should continue to contact the practice as normal.”
“The Trust arrangement has been made under the Alternate Provider of Medical Services (APMS) contract. It is the second time an APMS contract has been put in place in Northern Ireland.”
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