Alliance MLA Andrew Muir has said news of the potential closure of Priory Surgery in Holywood and Springhill in Bangor has caused extreme concern across the area.

The North Down MLA was speaking after the current GP Partners responsible announced they would no longer provide general medical services from February 2023.

Andrew said: “News from Priory Surgery in Holywood and Springhill in Bangor is causing real worry and apprehension for many, with over 14,000 patients affected by this serious development.

“It’s wrong people randomly found out via a website post, leaving patients frightened as to whether they will be able to receive important treatments and medical support over the time ahead.

“News of the closure comes on the foot of previous complaints from constituents, in tears struggling to get Health Care desperately needed, with the ability to access GP Services a key foundation of our NHS and should not be in question.

“We’re now at critical crisis point with yet more people now likely to be heading their way to already over-stretched Accident and Emergency units due to the inability to promptly access GP services.

“Action must be swiftly taken by the Department of Health to give patients the required assurances that business will be provided without interruption with service standards increased without delay. I have requested a meeting with relevant Senior Official at the Department and my colleague Dr Stephen Farry MP is engaging with the British Medical Association.

“A restored Assembly, Executive and confirmed Budget is essential to give MLAs opportunity to effectively hold the Department to account and provide framework to rebuild the NHS and Primary Care across Northern Ireland where the future of GP Surgeries is now in doubt at a number of locations.”