A NEW GP contractor has been appointed for Grove Medical Practice in North Belfast.
The news sparked concerns amongst local political representatives and patients who feared they would be without a GP.
Following an appeal for a new contractor, the Department of Health has confirmed Dr Paul Loughrey, will take over the practice from 1 January 2023.
Dr Loughrey moves to the York Road practice from Ballymena Family Practice.
Patients of the practice will automatically be registered with the new practice so they do not need to take any action.
North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín welcomed the news.
“I welcome news that the Grove Health and Wellbeing Centre looks set to get a replacement GP practice and well done to everyone that campaigned to make this possible," she said.
“Clearly local people were hugely concerned at the loss of their GP services and hopefully they can now look forward to this service being returned.
“GP practices are a vital aspect of community life and also contribute significantly to easing pressure on our hospital Emergency Departments which are currently at breaking point.
“This development is great news for the people of North Belfast and gives hope to other communities like Ardoyne who are also campaigning for local GP services.”
North Belfast DUP MLA Phillip Brett added: "This is a very important matter which I had raised since taking up office in May.
"I'm very pleased that efforts to secure the future of the Medical Practice has been successful with this appointment."
