The Department of Health has confirmed that the GP contracts for three Fermanagh practices have been handed back.
Uncertainty remains over the GP surgeries in Brookeborough and Tempo, with the current provider handing in its notice of six months for the practices.
The handing back of the contract comes after similar scenarios in GP surgeries in Dromore, Trillick and Lisnaskea in recent months.
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“The Department of Health (DoH) can confirm that GPs at Brookeborough and Tempo Practice have given notice of their intention to withdraw from their contract to deliver General Medical Services at the end of the notice period in six months’ time.” a Department spokesperson said.
“DoH will now begin a process to develop alternative arrangements for these services.
“DoH want to reassure patients that the Practice will continue to retain the contract to deliver GP services for the next six months.
“Patients at the practice do not need to take any action. They should continue to contact the Practice as normal.
“DoH will be writing out to all practice patients to keep them informed as this process begins.”
Local representatives in Fermanagh have expressed concern at a potential further blow to healthcare provision in the area.
SDLP councillor John Coyle said it was "a further blow to people in this area who are already seeing healthcare provision severely stretched".
“This is not the first GP surgery to find itself in this situation and unless we address the issues behind this, we will potentially see further surgeries following suit.”
DUP MLA Deborah Erskine said she would be one of the 8,000 patients at the practice who would be affected.
“It is concerning to see the news this morning that another GP surgery has handed their contract back,” the MLA said.
“This is due to the extreme pressures with a shortage in workforce and many other issues.
“I am one of the 8,000 patients affected. I know many will be concerned this morning but you will still remain a patient and can still continue to contact the GP surgery at this time.”
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