A busy GP surgery in Derry that had been at risk of closure has been "saved" thanks to the appointment of a new GP.
Racecourse Medical in the Shantallow area of Derry had recently handed back contracts to deliver services, prompting fears that it may close.
The Department of Health at Stormont confirmed the appointment of a new GP, Dr Ravinder Kumar, to take over.
Read more: Leading GP issues stark warning as another medical practice hands back contract
A spokesperson for the Department said: "The Department of Health can confirm that a new GP contractor has been appointed to provide GP services to the patients of Racecourse Medical Centre in Shantallow, Londonderry, with effect from 1 June 2023.
"The new contractor is Dr Ravinder Kumar, a GP who has experience running two GP practices in Manchester."
The spokesperson continued: "It follows extensive work to identify a new GP contractor to take over the practice, following the termination of the contract by the previous contractor in November 2022.
"All 4,799 patients of Racecourse Medical Centre have been automatically registered with the new practice."
The news has been welcomed by Aontu councillor Emmett Doyle, who said: "I am delighted to announce that Racecourse Medical GP practice has been saved with the appointment of a new contractor this morning."
He continued: "With this great news, patients can be assured they will have no disruption to their access to a GP and staff can be assured their jobs are not under redundancy threat."
Mr Doyle added: "I am over the moon to see this long process come to a successful conclusion and look forward to a fresh start for Racecourse Medical and all the the people in Ballyarnett and throughout the city who value its services."
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