Priory Surgery in Holywood, County Down, closed its High Street site early on Friday, April 3, due to staffing shortages from long-term administrative illness. The Springhill branch in Bangor stayed open for Holywood patients. The practice website stated active recruitment efforts but no funding to cover absent staff, leading to longer telephone wait times.

North Down MLA Andrew Muir contacted the Health Minister about appointment difficulties at Priory and Springhill surgeries. Muir plans to keep working with surgery management. He expressed concern over patients' access to care at the Holywood and Bangor sites.

The Holywood site also closed last Friday and on April 10. Patients at Springhill fear similar issues. The practice serves thousands of enrollees.

In early 2023, previous GP partners left, leading to interim management by the local health trust. In 2024, the Federation Support Unit GP Management CIC took over, restoring full multidisciplinary services after a period of urgent-only appointments.

Muir's office receives ongoing reports of appointment problems. He also raised concerns about the future of Bangor's Silverbirch Medical Practice after its lead doctor ended his contract.