AQW 42869/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps his Department is taking to fill the GP contract for Silverbirch Medical Practice, Bangor.
Asked by Connie Egan MLA on 20 March 2026
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Priority
- Tabled
- 20 March 2026
- Answer due by
- 26 March 2026
- Answered
- 13 April 202624 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- Yes
Answer
I can confirm that the single-handed GP at Silverbirch Medical Practice has given notice to withdraw from his contract to deliver General Medical Services at the end of the notice period of 3 months. The contract will end on 31 May 2026. Officials have now commenced the process to secure alternative arrangements for these services.
A number of different options are available to ensure patients are not left without a GP service. The preferred option is to secure a GP contractor, or grouping of GPs, to take over the practice through a formal recruitment process. In some circumstances, Health and Social Care Trusts can take over a GP contract as an interim solution.
Officials have written out to all practice patients notifying them of the situation and will continue to keep them informed throughout the process.
I want to reassure patients that the existing Silverbirch Medical Practice will continue to retain the contract to deliver GP services until the 31 May 2026. Patients at the practice do not need to take any action. They should continue to contact the practice as normal.