A temporary solution has been found to stave off uncertainty at a GP surgery with thousands of registered patients in Mullaghbawn in County Armagh.
The Maphoner Surgery's future had been the subject of debate after its GP recently retired.
The Department of Health confirmed that a temporary contractor for the surgery had been appointed in a statement on Monday.
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In its statement, the Department of Health said: "The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has been asked by the Department of Health to temporarily take over the management of the Maphoner Surgery following the retirement of the current GP.
"From 1 July, the Trust will support all current General Medical services in the practice.
"All 5,300 patients of Maphoner Surgery will continue to be registered with the practice.
"Letters will be issued to all patients later this week and they should continue to contact the practice in the usual way.
"The Department of Health will continue with work to secure a permanent GP contractor for the practice over the coming months."
The Newry and Armagh SDLP MLA Justin McNulty welcomed the news in a video posted on Twitter.
"This is wonderful news for he staff who've been fighting with determination to save their practice," he said.
"And for Dr Maguire who wants to leave behind a positive legacy and a running practice.
"And for the patients who will be so relieved that Mullaghbawn surgery will stay open."
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