THE Rathmore Clinic in Belleek is still trying to recruit a much-needed new doctor at at time when rural practices across the North are struggling to fill doctors’ positions.
The practice, which caters for around 4000 patients, is on the look-out for a new GP to join their team. The post has become available as one current GP is planning to move back to England.
Practice Manager, Elaine O’Reilly said that there has been some interest in the role but as yet nothing has been confirmed.
The practice is currently made up of three GPs, a practice nurse, five reception staff and a practice manager.
Ms O’Reilly added that Belleek is a “beautiful” and “welcoming” village with a rich outdoors life.
“Any GP who joined our team would be given a warm welcome into the community. Few areas have as much to offer to any doctor interested in the outdoors.”
Any GP considering working at Rathmore Clinic would be joining an experienced team including receptionists, practice nurse, and would work closely with health visitor, dental team, podiatrist, community midwife, speech therapist, district nursing team, pharmacist, and a cognitive behavioural therapist, all of whom operate out of the Health Centre.
“We have a vibrant modern practice, and if we can maintain our staffing levels, there is great scope for further development in the future, in line with the needs of the community.”
Ms O’Reilly also said that she doesn’t believe there is any reluctance for medical professionals to take up rural posts
“The main problem is the critical shortage of GPs, nursing support and other health care professionals, across the board.”
Councillor Anthony Feely said such staff shortages in medical professionals were leaving it “very hard” to attract staff to rural areas like Belleek.
Cllr Feely added it was vital services in rural areas are safeguarded, “We need to work to safe guard services and do all possible to keep them functioning in these rural areas, instead of places closing.
“It seems to be very hard to attract people, even to Enniskillen, when some prefer to work in cities like Belfast.”
Cllr Feely noted, “We are again facing the closure of St Mary’s High School Brollagh, and if it goes we may find it even harder to attract staff to the medical centre.”