Racecourse Medical patients will have GP access

The Department of Health has guaranteed that patients at Racecourse Medical in the city will not be left without access to a GP.

Racecourse Medical Group handed back its contract for the delivery of services to the Department of Health in December 2022 and Bridge Street Family Practice did the same in February 2023.

A Special Meeting regarding both practices took place between Derry City and Strabane District councillors and members of the Strategic Planning and Performance Group, which plans and oversees the delivery of health and social care services for the population of the North, on Monday (March 13).

Speaking to Derry Now following the meeting, Cllr Emmet Doyle (Aontú) said he had 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 added: "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.  

Special Council meeting on new GPs for Racecourse and Bridge Street

'More surgeries will be affected and more patients will find it difficult to access a GP' - Cllr Doyle

Department of Health must ensure Derry GP Services are protected

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 May 31, 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," said Cllr Doyle.

According to Cllr Doyle, interviews for potential contractors will be  held soon.

He added: "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."