Waringstown surgery 
to get consultation

Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson, who has been in regular contact with board officials since the surgery was closed on August 24 last year, said: “Local residents have been understandably angry at the seemingly endless ‘temporary closure’ of their surgery.

“I now welcome the fact that the HSC Board has apologised for the delay and confirmed to me that the practice can now discuss the options with local people, something which I have long demanded take place.

“I will be meeting soon with Dr Sloan Harper, Director of Integrated Care at the HSC Board to discuss the process of involving the public and ensuring that their voice is finally heard on this issue.”

Since the temporary closure of Waringstown surgery the DUP have also been lobbying the GPs and the Health and Social Care Board to reinstate it within the village.

Speaking on behalf of the DUP, Councillor Carla Lockhart said: “We have, since the closure of Waringstown surgery, had concerns as to the logistical problems particularly for the elderly in accessing Donaghcloney surgery, and for the increased waiting times that has been reported to us.”

She added: “This will allow the practice to proceed to discuss the options with their patients and the HSC Board will ensure that consultation takes place.

“We are led to believe that the practice has provided update information in writing both to their Waringstown patients and to the Patient and Client Council.”

“We will continue to lobby for the reinstatement of Waringstown surgery and would encourage the GPs to work towards a resolution of this issue.”