Health Minister Mike Nesbitt visited healthcare facilities in Belleek and Enniskillen to learn about pressures on GP services in the South West.

At Rathmore Clinic in Belleek, Rachel Forbes, chief officer of the Western Federation Support Unit, welcomed Nesbitt along with board members Bernie McCrory, Dr Josephine Deehan, and Dr Laura McDonnell. Partners Elaine O’Reilly and Dr Herdman presented on local primary care challenges. Nesbitt met staff, political representatives, and members of the Western Health and Social Care Trust.

Nesbitt then went to Erne Health Centre in Enniskillen, where Dr Mark Cathcart greeted him. Dr Josephine Deehan, co-chair of the Western FSU, presented on issues facing GP federation practices in the South West.

Discussions covered the slow rollout of Multidisciplinary Teams in the region. The Western FSU noted the next phase includes four senior mental health practitioners and four physiotherapists for the first year in a large rural area.

Representatives raised patient inequality concerns, with the South West lagging behind neighbouring areas that received earlier MDT investment. They also highlighted a planned 16 percent cut in Skill Mix funding for South West GP practices next year.

Those present asked Nesbitt to pause the Skill Mix funding reduction until MDT funding takes full effect to maintain stability, especially for rural practices. They stressed GPs' role in providing comprehensive care amid system pressures.

The Western FSU thanked Nesbitt for the visit and direct engagement with frontline staff.