Killough branch surgery could be closed

Killough branch surgery could be closed

29 January 2014

A GP branch surgery in Killough could close.

A proposal to close the surgery at Main Street, which is attended by Dr. Malachy Murphy, has been lodged with the Health and Social Care Board.

A meeting to discuss the proposal is being held in Killough Parish Hall next Thursday, February 6, at 6.30pm. Dr. Murphy is based in Ardglass but provides two sessions a week in Killough on Wednesdays and Fridays between 2.30pm and 4.30pm.

Next week’s meeting is being organised by the Board to explain to patients who normally attend the Killough surgery the options available to them if it closes.

A Board spokeswoman said it is currently considering an application for the closure of the Killough branch surgery made by Dr. Murphy who would like to transfer the services currently provided in the village to the practice’s main surgery in Ardglass.

“As part of considering the potential closure of the branch surgery,

the Health and Social Care Board is seeking the views of patients who may be impacted through a range of measures, including a patient survey and a public meeting,” she continued.

“The Board will also consider other matters such as quality of care, patient safety, patient choice and quality of premises. The Board will also consult with the Patient Client Council and the Eastern Local Medical Committee.”

Councillor Éamonn Mac Con Midhe is urging patients who normally attend the Killough surgery to attend next week’s meeting to learn the full detail of the proposal and to make their views known.

“It is important patients are told what is behind the proposal and how it will affect them,” he said.

“What provision if any is being made for elderly people who may not have access to transport? These are issues which need to be addressed.”

Councillor Mac Con Midhe said he is concerned that the decision to close the Killough surgery comes after GP services provided at Strangford community clinic were reduced from two hours a week to two hours every fortnight.

He added: “People in rural areas rely on a raft of health and social services, including those provided by GPs.”