The Chief Executive of the Western Health and Social Care Trust has said he is still learning his way in respect of GP practices and warned the Department of Health “can’t just run to the Trust every time there’s a crisis”.

Neil Guckian was addressing members of the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Health Subcommittee, on the temporary arrangement to sustain Dromore and Trillick GP Practice.

However, when pressed on whether this could be done in Rosslea, he replied: “I wouldn’t raise expectations.”

Sinn Fein’s Councillor Tommy Maguire pointed out members previously suggested the Trust could install a GP in Rosslea, only to be told it wasn’t possible.

He said: “I welcome that it is now possible. But the people of Rosslea lost their GP many years ago. There was no solution. Now this decision has been made.

“I understand it’s new to the Trust … but we’re blue in the face pointing out the discrepancies, especially in the Fermanagh/Omagh area.

“It’s definitely time for a new way of thinking.”

Councillor Maguire asked if there is potential for a retrospective Trust GP placement in Rosslea.

Mr. Guckian replied: “I’m still learning my way through the minefield that is GP practice. I want to emphasise the Trust hasn’t put a GP in. The SPPG (Strategic Planning and Performance Group) retain responsibility.

“We wouldn’t know how to appoint a GP, because we don’t have any.

“It’s not a case of just putting a hospital doctor into a practice and hoping for the best. We have to get experienced GPs.”

However, he agreed with concerns across the West, adding: “The Trust has highlighted this to the Department [of Health]. We recognise the reliance on primary care as a first port of call. It’s such a vital cog.

“There needs to be a different plan, which would be up to the Department, SPPG and others to bring forward.

“I’ve personally raised this with the Permanent Secretary. We need a new model, but don’t know what that is yet.

“We’ll start by getting Dromore and Trillick stabilised, and learn more about GP practices.”

In respect of Rosslea, he continued: “I wouldn’t raise expectations. It’s been a real challenge, trying to address the current arrangement, and a major drain on many directorates.

“We are having to do things we’ve never done before. The clinical governance side is really important and a whole new area.”

Mr. Guckian mused on whether a ‘magic bullet’ solution could be found, then remarked: “I’d be very surprised. It’s just going to be long, hard work.

“Sorry not to be optimistic, but it’s better to be realistic.”

Councillor Barry McElduff, Sinn Fein, enquired if there was an absence of will when the Rosslea crisis reached its height, and how close other GP practices are to a possible collapse.

Mr. Guckian responded: “I have to be very careful what I say. Primary care is challenged throughout the UK. I’m informed a number of practices are vulnerable.

“All I can do at this stage is deal with the problem in front of me. We’ve raised it with the Department.

“They can’t just run to the Trust every time there’s a crisis. Eventually, we’ll have to say we don’t have the staff.

“I think new models are being considered, but they are probably quite far down the road.

“We’re still learning with Primary Care, and doing our best to deliver the service.”