19th February 2025
Patients at Bessbrook Clinic will now benefit from improved GP services following a new purpose-built modular extension. The £1.07m investment will support the rollout of the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) model and enhance service sustainability in Bessbrook Village.
The MDT model integrates Physiotherapists, Social Workers, and Mental Health Practitioners alongside General Practice teams, offering localised care closer to patients’ homes.
The new extension was funded by the Department of Health’s (DoH) Primary Care Infrastructure Development Programme in partnership with GP Practices and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and completed in early 2024.
It provides three addi tional consulting rooms, a treatment room, and a dedicated Mental Health and Social Work consultation space. Patients and staff also benefit from enhanced waiting and reception areas, designed to improve patient flow and comfort.
Dr C McKeever, GP, praised the investment, stating, “As a practice, we have worked hard for many years to plan and move towards this new space for our patients and staff. Moving from a two-storey house to a purpose-built modular extension has allowed us to create a more efficient layout for GMS and family planning services. We now have additional multi-purpose consultation rooms and can offer easier access to MDT services within the team. This setting will help us continue to provide safe and effective care for our patients for years to come.”
Bernie Grant, Health Care Assistant, highlighted the positive impact of the extension, “The new surgery premises are bright, airy, and patient-friendly – patients coming to clinic often comment on how pleasant and spacious our new premises are.”
This investment in Bessbrook Clinic ensures that local patients continue to receive high-quality healthcare in a modern, purpose-built facility. The project is a key step in future-proofing primary care services for the Newry and District GP Federation Area, improving access to vital health and social care services.