Snaefell Surgery has announced that it will close from mid-August if contract negotiations are not resolved.
The GP practice in Anagh Coar, Douglas, said that its decision was based upon the new contract funding offered by the Department of Health and Social Care ’being wholly insufficient to develop the practice in any meaningful and positive way.’
The current contract will end on August 14, when all medical services will be terminated.
The DHSC will meet with practice partners early next week to discuss the implications of the decision and the steps required to ensure continuity of GP services for patients. The practice has said it will do what it can to assist during the notice period.
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Three GPs, a nurse practitioner and two part-time nurses are currently based at Snaefell Surgery, which has more than 5,300 patients on its books.
The clinical team is supported by a practice manager, deputy and three part-time receptionists.
GP practices operate as businesses and are contracted by the DHSC, so the department cannot comment on the GPs’ decision to end their contract.
Minister for Health and Social Care David Ashford said: ’Snaefell Surgery has been a friendly and popular practice which has served the community well over a significant period, so I regret the GPs’ decision to terminate their contract.
’The uppermost concern for the department is the impact on patients, as well as the dedicated staff team at the surgery. We will keep patients informed about our plans to operate and maintain GP services in the future.’
A notice is currently on the front door of the surgery and on the practice’s website, informing patients of the closure and reads: ’This will of course have a major impact on patients and staff alike. Should you wish to contact your MHK, The Minister for Health and Social Care or the DHSC regarding this, we would encourage you to do so.’
Snaefell Surgery practice manager Robin Hynes said: ’If the matter isn’t resolved at the meeting next week, we will unfortunately have to close the surgery.’