O’Reilly says Community concerned about future of Kilkeel Medical Practice
SDLP Mournes’ representative Dominic O’Reilly has said the local community is extremely concerned after speculation around the future of Kilkeel Medical Practice.
Mr O’Reilly and SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath have requested a meeting with the Southern Trust and the Department of Health’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group to discuss the future of the practice.
Mr O’Reilly said: “Speculation around the future of Kilkeel Medical Practice is causing serious concern for people in the area, with some already making plans to move to another facility.
“Local residents depend on this practice for their healthcare, with many families attending the practice for years, building up their own relationships and confidence with the doctors and staff there.
“The loss of this practice would be a huge blow to the Kilkeel area and put further pressure on a health service that is already under extreme strain.
“People living in rural or isolated areas already face a significant struggle to access the healthcare they need and the last thing we want is to see further barriers being put in place, leading to people facing longer waits for treatment.
“I am working with South Down MLA Colin McGrath to seek urgent clarity on the situation, requesting meetings with both the Southern Trust and the Department of Health.
“We have also been in contact with the British Medical Association Northern Ireland who recognise how important this practice is for local families.
“In recent months we have seen the futures of GP surgeries across the North left hanging in the balance and we want to find solutions to whatever issues exist to stop the same thing happening in Kilkeel.”
