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Patients of Clanrye Medical Practice, Monaghan Street, Newry have received a message explaining that the practice GP's* will only be dealing with 25 contacts per day and recommending that patients should look elsewhere if they need an appointment after that capacity is reached.
The practice has suggested that patients contact their local MLA "to discuss further". Already some patients have said that they don't understand what the message means.
The message states "The GPs at Clanrye Surgery are currently taking collective action against the Dept of Health. They have refused to engage in negotiations regarding the GP contract. This is essential to secure the future of GP.
It continues "As advised by the BMA, GPs must adhere to the safe practice guidance of 25 contacts per day. You will need to seek help from an alternative source once capacity has been reached. Please contact your MLA to discuss further."
Speaking on the message Nicola Grant Workers Party Representative for Newry and Armagh said whilst the Workers Party has always supported the right to collective bargaining, this text message mentioning alternative sources requires clarification as to what alternative sources they mean, are they advising patients to go to emergency departments, private providers, or what other sources? The Department and GPs need to give more appropriate guidance to patients, particularly those who are vulnerable.
Correction: It's each GP contact 25 a day not the entire surgery!
