Villagers concerned over surgery closure

Villagers concerned over surgery closure

12 June 2013

A PUBLIC meeting will be held in Ballygowan next Monday night to discuss the proposed closure of The Brae satellite GP surgery in the village.

The meeting, which is being held in the village hall at 7pm, has been organised by Alliance politicians.

Ahead of next week’s meeting, councillor Deborah Girvan explained details of the proposal to close the satellite surgery — which is linked to the Lisbane Surgery run by Dr. Moles and Dr. Marshall — were announced in early March.

She said the closure was announced following a consultation process with patients in Ballygowan who are registered with the Lisbane Surgery.

Councillor Girvan said the move “sparked an immediate reaction” from concerned residents who did not want to lose their local satellite GP surgery.

She said that along with Alliance councillors Alan McDowell and Kieran McCarthy, several meetings have been held with Drs. Moles and Marshall, Hugh McCaughey, Chief Executive of the South Eastern Trust, and representatives from the Health and Social Care Board to discuss health care provision for people and families in Ballygowan.

“After the talks, it seemed clear that the next step was to invite the residents of Ballygowan to a public meeting to hear what people from organisations responsible for health care in the area have to say about the proposed closure of the satellite surgery and what the plans are for the future,” explained councillor Girvan.

She confirmed that Dr. Moles and Dr. Marshall will be at next Monday night’s meeting and will be joined by Sean Hughes, chairman of the Ballygowan Community Association.

Mr. Hughes will reveal the detail of a recent village plan for Ballygowan and what local people had to say about local health care provision.

Councillor Girvan said once the various speakers have addressed the public meeting, there will be an opportunity for residents to ask questions.

She added: “I would encourage everyone who has an interest in finding out more about the future of health care provision in Ballygowan to attend this important meeting and make their voices heard.”