The Chairman of the British Medical Association's Northern Ireland Council has condemned the escalating tensions at Lisnaskea Health Centre, where frustrated patients have begun directing their anger at healthcare staff, describing it as "an untenable situation".

Last Wednesday, staff at the centre were confronted with numerous posters, erected by the Erne East Health Committee, criticising what was perceived as inadequate service at the facility.

The posters included phrases such as "GP Surgery, not fit for purpose" and "GP Surgery?? Won't answer phones, can't get appointments".

The posters coincided with claims of abuse directed at the surgery staff on social media.

Condemnation was swiftly voiced by both the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Royal College of General Practitioners Northern Ireland (RCGPNI), and the PSNI were also contacted.

Tensions have arisen amid "significant pressure" at Lisnaskea GP Centre, with patients expressing frustration at the difficulty in obtaining appointments.

Some have reported being forced to ring the surgery hundreds of times before securing an appointment, while others have expressed concerns over what they view as a lack of care for elderly relatives.

However, one medical professional who contacted The Impartial Reporter said that, like all GP practices in Northern Ireland, Lisnaskea is struggling to address a "demand/capacity mismatch," which has led to patients being "dissatisfied with their care".

Meanwhile, Dr. Alan Stout, Chairman of the Northern Ireland branch of the BMA, said that while he understands that people are "frustrated," they "shouldn't take it out on staff".

"Overall, it's not a good position at all when patients start to take it out on the staff who are trying their absolute utmost to deliver a service in that area," Dr Stout said.

"People need to rethink their stance. We understand their frustration; people are massively frustrated, but they can't take it out on the staff."

Dr. Stout added that the situation at Lisnaskea comes amid an environment of high demand, a lack of staff, and a previous 'contract hand back.'

In May of last year, a non-profit group of doctors agreed to take on the running of Lisnaskea Surgery after previous doctors handed back the contract to the Department of Health (DoH), citing "extreme pressures."

"(Lisnaskea) was a contract handback practice, so there was a real risk that services would disappear altogether," Dr. Stout continued. "That was 18 months ago, and a rescue package was put in place, with the practice taken on by another contractor who is trying desperately to provide that service to the local population.

"But it's a real struggle. There are not enough staff, there isn't the ability to offer enough appointments to cope with demand, and it is a situation that's being seen and replicated right across Northern Ireland.

"We have known for quite some time that general practice is massively underfunded and understaffed.

"A recent independent report showed that Northern Ireland only spends 5.4 per cent of the health budget on general practice. That is the lowest we can find anywhere in the world.

"There needs to be fundamental change at Department level to provide a Primary Care service that is fit for purpose."

Dr. Stout's calls have been echoed by Alliance Councillor Eddie Roofe, who condemned the "abuse of staff".

"This behaviour is no way to resolve the matter, and abuse against staff is completely unacceptable," Councillor Roofe said. "Health workers are working under extremely difficult circumstances, and no worker should ever have to enter work surrounded by signs criticising them and declaring them not fit for purpose."

Councillor Roofe added: "Lisnaskea Medical Centre and the patients of the area have time and again been let down by an ever-stretched primary care budget provided by the Department of Health."

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DoH) condemned "harassment or abuse of staff" as "totally unacceptable."

"Staff delivering health and care services, often in challenging circumstances, deserve to be treated respectfully, including at Lisnaskea Health Centre, where we understand extra clinical staff have been introduced to help provide additional patient appointments," a spokesman said.

A Department of Health spokesman added that the "stabilisation of GP practices" remains a "key priority," citing an increase in the number of GP training places and millions of pounds worth of investments aimed at boosting primary care offerings and recruiting Advanced Nurse Practitioners.

"General Practice plays a crucial role in our health and social care system, and stabilisation of GP practices remains a key priority," the spokesman added.

"The Department continues to support General Practice with the aim of ensuring people can access high-quality, sustainable services now and in the future."