Raymond Farrell, UUP who is concerned over the future of GP practices in rural Fermanagh. RMGFH46
THE RURAL GP surgery in Ederney is set to be vacant once again, with Dr Ronan Harte handing in his notice this week after only two years in the post.
A former graduate of University College, Dublin and a member of the Irish College of General Practitioners (MICGP) since 2011 Dr Harte has been working at the practice since October 2013.It is believed he will take up a post in Omagh.
The news is a blow to the local community which relies on the service and Erne North councillor Raymond Farrell is becoming “increasingly concerned about the future of GP surgeries in Fermanagh”.
“We have a situation in the county where there are a number of GPs approaching retirement age, people with great experience and reputation in the community and whom I know well. It is estimated that Northern Ireland has a 20% shortage of doctors which leaves me asking the Department of Health what is the long-term strategy and thinking to meet the needs of a significant and increasing elderly population.”
In Ederney the surgery had a long term vacancy following the retirement of Dr Michelle Mellotte, with the possibility of closure and a reduction in services mooted back in 2013. These fears were unfounded however and Dr Ronan Harte started at the practice in October 2013.
Despite a possible salary of up to £83,617 a British Medical Association report from February 2015 said the North needs 46 more GPs trained per year in order to meet gaps in the workforce. Mr Farrell believes that due to its rural location Fermanagh could suffer most than most.
“Rural areas such as Fermanagh are potentially going to be hardest hit with this decline in GP numbers and I am asking, indeed seeking a meeting to establish what strategic vision and work force planning is being considered now before things reach breaking point.”
He added: “One of the most important services in any community is your local health service and that would be your GP surgery and other health related services. Your GP is key to referral to lots of other services you may need in terms of dealing with your particular ailment. So it is a vital service in a rural area.”
A spokesman from the Health and Social Care Board confirmed Dr Harte’s departure from Ederney and that a replacement would be sought.
“Dr Harte has now handed in his notice and he will finish up at the end of March 2016. We are currently beginning the advertising process and the recruitment process for his replacement.”
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