GPs Express Safety Concerns Over Patient Relocation from Closing Health Centre

General practitioners have stated that relocating over 2,300 patients from Fairhill Health Centre, situated in Magherafelt, County Londonderry, poses safety concerns. Approximately 2,000 to 2,500 patients are scheduled for distribution among 13 local practices this Friday, following the Department of Health’s announcement that attempts to secure a new GP contractor for Fairhill, located in Magherafelt town centre, were unsuccessful. Dr. John Diamond, a general practitioner affiliated with Garden Street Surgery in Magherafelt and Bellaghy Medical Centre, reported that none of the receiving practices had obtained any details regarding the patients being relocated. The Department of Health (DoH) indicated that the practices were informed a week prior, “at the earliest opportunity,” and that patient lists had been provided. A spokesperson further stated that officials had engaged with the practices during the current week to address questions and facilitate “as smooth a transition as possible for both patients and practices.” Dr. Diamond remarked, “None of the practices have received any notes – we just have a list of names – so as of Friday we have no idea if any of these patients are palliative care – if they are housebound – if they have complex needs – we don’t know their medications.” He added, “It’s so unsafe – and we really are frustrated with the board – because they did not meet local practices to try to do this in a safe and manageable way.” The DoH acknowledged its understanding of the patients’ concern and disappointment regarding Fairhill’s closure, but maintained that transferring patients to other GP surgeries represented “the only feasible option.” A spokesperson also mentioned that practices accepting new patients would be allocated additional funding to assist with the administrative duties associated with processing their new patients’ records. They asserted that “all options were explored and exhausted” in attempts to maintain Fairhill’s operation. Maisie Lee, aged 82, has been a patient at Fairhill for seven decades. Her son, Adrian, who is 60 years old, has complex health requirements. He has been reassigned to Maghera Health Centre, located over eight miles distant, whereas she has been assigned to Garden Street. She questioned, “Adrian is a vulnerable adult – he doesn’t drive – I’m an old lady at 82 years of age – I don’t drive – how are we supposed to get to Maghera?” She continued, “Adrian lives in sheltered accommodation. I have to get a letter to Maghera on Monday – what do I do get a taxi? Who pays for the taxi?” She further stated, “It’s not convenient – Adrian needs to see a nurse twice a week as he has an ulcer in his leg – who will get him to Maghera? I have applied to get him into garden street as that is where my GP is going to be.” Nick Speedie, another patient, has not yet received notification of his allocation. He expressed concern that the closure would negatively impact numerous families in the vicinity. He commented, “My biggest concern is trying to book in for appointments.” He added, “It’s going to be very, very busy. Thankfully, my mum and dad have been placed locally as I was worried for them – as my mum wouldn’t be able to travel.” He concluded, “My sister has been moved a bit far away . I don’t feel this has been handled effectively – this is a staple for this town.” Marie-Louise Connolly, BBC News NI Health Correspondent Professor Rafael Bengoa, who headed a 2016 review of healthcare, cautioned that if Northern Ireland fails to modify its approach to health and social care provision, the situation would deteriorate. Indeed, the situation has significantly worsened. The professor compared the resistance to change to allowing a burning platform to continue ablaze without intervention. General Practice has been experiencing this pressure for a considerable period, and the intensity is expected to increase. Impacted GPs report having voiced concerns as early as 2021. While other practices have relinquished contracts, with their patients being absorbed by health trusts or other GPs, the circumstances in Mid-Ulster present a unique situation. This marks the first instance of a practice closing where, according to medical professionals, patients are being “forced” onto other practices that have themselves requested crisis intervention. A doctor commented that the existing GP model is failing and that its revival would require more than mere resources. Dr. Allen McCullough, a GP at Antrim Health Centre and secretary of the Northern Ireland Local Medical Committee for the region, stated that the paramount concern was ensuring patient safety. He remarked, “We are constrained by the timings as we had a 12-week window.” He added, “It could have been timed better but that’s a combination of uncontrollable factors.” Dr. McCullough explained, “What we are now dealing with within the next 48 hours is the dispersal of over 2,000 patients – to a patient population of other practices of about 75,000 – and that could have a destabilising effect for primary care for that whole area.” Dr. McCullough indicated that his members were apprehensive. He stated, “At no stage has any GP practice said they don’t want patients – but they want to manage their care safely.” Patsy McGlone, the Social Democratic and Labour Party assembly member for Mid Ulster, noted that a substantial volume of paperwork would be generated by patients transferring to new practices. He predicted, “Practices will be overwhelmed – particularly those that will end up with a lot of print outs of people’s paperwork.”