A local community group set up following the closure of Rosslea GP surgery met with health officials and politicians in recent months as they continue their fight to try and restore a medical practice in the area.

On May 25, the SOS Roslea group travelled to Carnlough, Co. Antrim where they spoke to a number of people including Dr. McSparran and Sammy Wilson, MP.

In August, the group also met with Neil Guckian, Chief Executive of The Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) in The Altnagelvin Hospital.

John McCluskey, a former councillor for Erne East and part of the SOS Rosslea group, was present for the meeting with Mr. Guckian on August 20.

“Our recent survey for SOS Rosslea shows that the situation here is critical, especially for mothers with sick children,” he said.

“The people of Rosslea believe that not all doctors are refusing to work in Rosslea. One of the many questions must be what incentives are being offered to GPs to work there?”

On the meeting with Mr. McCluskey, a Western Trust spokesperson said: “Neil Guckian met with MrJohn McCluskey and outlined the challenges of delivering GP services to rural communities. Mr. Guckian highlighted that should Mr McCluskey wish to discuss his issues, he can address them to the SPPG Department of Health.”

Fermanagh and South Tyrone DUP MLA, Deborah Erskine also met with a cross-community delegation from SOS Rosslea on August 23. This was a very positive meeting with further meetings planned, according to Mr. McCluskey.

Mr. McCluskey commended Mrs. Erskine on her positive approach on the issues discussed.

Mrs. Erskine said she was all too aware of the pressures on our GP services: “I have been working pro-actively on this. Over the summer I have engaged with the Health Minister, BMA and GMC and have more meetings arranged for this month.

“GPs have been warning for years that we are heading towards a crisis. Therefore, unfortunately, if something isn’t done now, Rosslea will only be the tip of the iceberg. We have seen that this summer with other surgeries across Northern Ireland.”

Of the meeting with SOS Rosslea, she added: “I explained during my meeting that we need pragmatic solutions and that managing the existing levels of service to prevent any further collapse, not just in Fermanagh and South Tyrone but across Northern Ireland, is paramount.

“A sustainable way forward to suit the needs of patients and our GPs on the ground is needed. I have been seeking solutions with the Health Minister on our GP practices. We must all understand the difficulties and work collectively for a better, realistic way forward.”