BREAKING: GP pulls out of Racecourse Medical contract

Racecourse Medical Centre in the Shantallow area of the city is once more without contracted GP services.

In May, Dr Ravinder Kumar, a doctor with experience running two GP practices in Manchester, was appointed by the Department of Health to provide GP services in Racecourse Medical Centre.

However, Derry Now understands Dr Kumar, who was expected to take over the provision of GP services from Thursday (June 1, 2023), has now pulled out. 

Dr Kumar’s appointment followed what the Department of Health described as “extensive work to identify a new GP contractor to take over the practice, following the termination of the contract by the previous contractor in November 2022”.

There are 4,799 patients registered with Racecourse Medical Centre, which sparked the recent cross-party  “Save Racecourse Medical Centre” campaign.

A statement to Derry News from the Department of Health appeared to confirm Dr Ravinder Kumar's withdrawal.

A spokesperson for the Department said: “The Western Health and Social Care Trust will be the new temporary contractor for Racecourse Medical Centre in Derry.

“The Trust is stepping in to provide an interim solution following the unexpected withdrawal of the GP contractor who was awarded the contract earlier this month.

“The new contract takes effect from 1 June 2023. Patients at the practice do not need to register with another practice. They should continue to contact the practice as normal and will receive a letter in the coming days advising of their new GP arrangements.”

SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood has expressed disappointment at the Racecourse Medical news.

He said: "The news regarding Racecourse Medical will be disheartening for people in the local area after the General practitioner lined up to take over the contract will not be taking on the practice.

"We have been in contact with the Western Trust to determine what steps are being taken to secure a new contract, and discussed the ongoing provision of care in the interim period.  Practice users can take some comfort that provision will continue as normal in the meantime.

"Issues such as this further highlight the importance of a functioning Stormont and an appointed health minister to lead and take urgent measures. I have corresponded with the Department of Health, urging them to redouble their efforts in retaining GPs."