The new holders of the medical contract at Lisnaskea Health Centre took over running of the GP surgery from last Monday, May 1.

In November, 2022, it was reported that the GP surgery in Lisnaskea, run by Maple Healthcare, was at risk of closure, as it was handing back its contract to the Department of Health.

However, a letter sent out to patients recently informed them that the new holders of the medical contract was Federation Support Unit (FSU) GP Practice Management CIC.

The letter states they are representatives of general practice “working together to support your practice and other practices across Northern Ireland”.

From last Monday, Maple Healthcare was re-launched under a new name, which will be shared once it is agreed.

READ MORE: Maple Health Care: Changes will not 'diminish the range of clinical services provided'

The letter states: “From May 1, your practice contract will be managed by a Community Interest Company (CIC), which is a not-for-profit company, set up for the benefit of the patients of Lisnaskea.

“This is a change in company structure, from the traditional partnership model within general practice.

“The primary objective of this company is to stabilise the practice, to ensure the best patient care.

“We envisage this practice will return to the traditional partnership model in the short- to medium-term.”

The letter said this model had been piloted in a Portadown GP Practice for 18 months and is proving very successful.

The new practice will be overseen by a parent organisation, the GP Practice Management CIC.

The letter further stated: “The alternative to our model was for the practice to be closed and patients to be dispersed to neighbouring practices.

“We do not believe this is a viable option for neighbouring practices, nor is it favourable for patients, in terms of safety and continuity of care.

“Your practice will stay in the same premises in Lisnaskea Health & Care Centre – with the same telephone number, reception staff, nursing and GP staff.

“You should not notice anything different when you next call or visit the practice.”