Northern Ireland

GPs services saved in Portadown after new contractor secured for practices

Two practices had been due to close by end of the summer

The Green Party manifesto said elected MPs will push for guaranteed rapid access to a GP
Thousands of patients were due to be affected by the closure of two practices in Portadown before a new contractor was found. (Anthony Devlin/PA)

GP services for thousands of patients in Co Armagh have been saved following the appointment of a new contractor.

The Annagh and Waterside medical practices, both of which are within Portadown Health Centre, were facing closure by the end of the summer after the previous contractors gave notice of withdrawal back in February.

A new contractor, Dr Philip Lusty, will take over the management of both practices from September 1.



“All patients registered with Annagh Family Practice and Waterside Medical Practice will be automatically registered under the new contractor,” a Department of Health spokesperson said.

“Patients do not need to take any action. Any patient needing GP services should continue to contact the practice as usual. A letter will be sent to patients of both practices in the coming weeks.”