Killough GP surgery branch likely to close

Killough GP surgery branch likely to close

12 February 2014

A GP branch surgery in Killough is “almost certain to close,” according to a local politician.

A proposal to shut the Main Street surgery has been lodged with the Health and Social Care Board and was discussed during a meeting in Killough last week.

The meeting was addressed by Dr. Malachy Murphy. His main surgery is based in Ardglass, but he provides two sessions a week in Killough on Wednesday and Friday afternoons.

Last week’s meeting, which was attended by local politicians, residents and representatives from the South Eastern Trust, was organised by the Board to explain to patients who normally attend the Killough surgery the options available to them if it closes.

Dr. Murphy is seeking to transfer services currently provided in the village to the practice’s main surgery in Ardglass.

Councillor Éamonn Mac Con Midhe, who was at last week’s meeting, said Dr. Murphy was “open and honest” and highlighted a number of issues about current service provision in Killough.

“The GP’s medical staff are based in Ardglass and the vast majority of his patients who live in Killough make their way to his main surgery,” explained Councillor Mac Con Midhe.

“It was pointed out that over a six-month period, only eight out of 600 patients in the Killough area were unable to make it to Ardglass. The number of patients who could not make it to the main surgery over a 12-month period was reported at 18.”

Councillor Mac Con Midhe said the current building used to provide the two weekly GP sessions in Killough is old and hard to heat, with last week’s meeting told there is not much privacy during patient consultations with Dr. Murphy.

“Many of the people who were at the meeting understood the difficulties the GP faces and why he wants to move the service to Ardglass,” he continued.

“It’s inevitable the branch surgery is almost certain to close. Dr. Murphy was open and honest and people can see the problems he faces in delivering the standard of service they expect in a very old building.”

Councillor Mac Con Midhe said Dr. Murphy has tried hard to maintain the service in Killough, but has been left with no other option other than to concentrate his efforts in Ardglass.”

He added: “While the closure of the Killough facility would be unfortunate, assurances

have been given that no patients will be unattended.”