To ask the Minister of Health pursuant to AQW 7707/16-21, to outline the alternative options which will be explored by the Health and Social Care Board to ensure GP services in Glenarm continue to be delivered when the current contractor retires at the end of March 2017; and whether the GP service can be maintained in the current timeframe.

As set out in AQW 7707/16-21, the Health and Social Care Board advertised a new full-time contract for the provision of GMS services in Glenarm, welcoming single or joint applications. The closing date for applications was 18 November 2016. No applications were received.

The HSCB is currently in discussions with neighbouring GP practices to establish the possibility of one of these practices merging with Antrim Coast Medical Practice. Every effort is being made to try to ensure a GP service in Glenarm continues, however should this not be achieved the HSCB will seek to deploy patients to the other GP practices in the area.

The HSCB has been assured that GP services in Glenarm will continue to be provided in the interim until the current practitioner retires at the end of March 2017.