By Julie Waters
THE search has begun to find a replacement GP contractor to provide vital services for the 2,000 patients of Bangor’s Silverbirch Medical Practice.
After providing care and support to the community for nearly a decade, Dr Steven Kinnear has announced he will stop providing general medical services from May 31.
It is now the responsibility of the Department of Health’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) to ensure the GP services continue for patients registered at the practice.
It is understood the SPPG will inform local patients directly about the new arrangements as they look for a new contractor for the busy Silverbirch Road practice.
In his resignation statement, Dr Kinnear said he had been ‘privileged’ to care for the patients at the Silverbirch practice for nearly a decade.
He said he had taken the ‘difficult decision’ to hand back the contract for the practice after ‘careful consideration’ and the current contract would finish at the end
of May. “It has been a privilege to care for the patients at Silverbirch for almost 10 years, and I am grateful for the trust many people have placed in me over the years,” said Dr Kinnear.
“I would like to thank the patients and colleagues who have supported me and the practice during this time.”
North Down MP Alex Easton, himself a patient at the Bangor East practice, spoke of the local community’s sense of ‘shock and disappointment’ following the announcement.
Outlining his concerns, the Independent Unionist said: “This is a huge concern not only for me personally but for the 2,000 patients that are registered with the practice.
“I feel it is going to be extremely difficult to attract a new doctor to the practice and I have written to the Health Minister because it would not be fair if we are just going to get locums all the time.”
The North Down MP also raised concerns about the ability of surrounding GP practices to absorb the many Silverbirch patients who may wish to transfer to a new surgery.
“I would also be concerned because there is no capacity within other GP practices in the area as they are not taking on new patients.”
Mr Easton added: “I would also be concerned about what will happen to the practice staff who have been extremely loyal to the practice for many years. To lose the practice would be a huge blow to the community within that area.”
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health confirmed that Dr Kinnear has served notice of his intention to terminate his GMS contract.
“Single Handed Contractors are required to give three months’ notice to terminate their GMS Contract and this Contract will end on May 31,” she said.
“Letters have been issued to the patients in the practice informing them of the situation. SPPG has commenced a process to secure a replacement contract holder, and the GMS Contract was advertised on March 11 with a closing date of March 25.”
