Business Details
33 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Healthcare Provider in Ballymena
Maine Medical Practice has been providing comprehensive healthcare services to the communities of Ahoghill and Cullybackey since its establishment in 1993. Founded by Dr David Johnston and Dr Donald Gaston, the practice has grown to include seven GP partners and a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, serving approximately 10,000 patients across two locations. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our adherence to the General Medical Services Contract, offering chronic disease management, maternity care, vaccinations, and preventive health services. We prioritise patient confidentiality, professional expertise, and accessible care, with facilities equipped to handle antenatal/postnatal care, minor surgery, and health promotion.Our team includes experienced GPs, practice nurses, healthcare assistants, and administrative staff who work collaboratively to ensure high-quality patient outcomes. We maintain strong partnerships with local pharmacies and urgent care providers to support continuity of care outside regular hours. Through consistent investment in staff training and modern medical practices, we strive to deliver reliable, patient-centred healthcare in a welcoming environment.
Services
Chronic Disease Management
Maternity Care
Vaccinations
Blood Tests
Minor Surgery
Health Promotion
Child Immunisations
Contraceptive Services
Over 75s Checks
Private Medicals
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We have 30+ years of combined experience in community healthcare
- Our seven GP partners provide specialist expertise across medical fields
- We offer comprehensive chronic disease management programmes
- Our team includes certified practice nurses and healthcare assistants
- We maintain 24/7 emergency cover through Dalriada Urgent Care
What people say
Professional staff
Caring approach
Accessible appointments
Thorough health checks
Excellent continuity of care
Services
Chronic Disease Management
We provide comprehensive management for chronic conditions including asthma, COPD, diabetes, and coronary heart disease. Our structured programmes combine regular monitoring, specialist treatment plans, and patient education to optimise long-term health outcomes. Our GPs work closely with patients to develop personalised care strategies that improve quality of life.
Maternity Services
Antenatal and postnatal care is delivered by our experienced obstetric team. Services include regular prenatal check-ups, birth planning, and postnatal support for new mothers. We coordinate care with hospital specialists while maintaining continuity through your trusted GP throughout your pregnancy journey.
Vaccinations
We offer routine vaccinations including seasonal flu jabs and childhood immunisations. Our nurses administer approved vaccines following strict safety protocols. While travel vaccinations are now provided through Ballee Pharmacy, we maintain comprehensive records for all NHS-recommended immunisations and provide catch-up programmes when needed.
Private Medicals
We conduct medical assessments for employment, sports, and driving requirements at competitive rates. Our certified GPs perform thorough examinations following BMA guidelines. Appointments include completion of necessary documentation for HGV licences, insurance claims, and private health certifications with clear reporting to relevant authorities.
Health Promotion
Our proactive approach includes general health advice, dietary counselling, and lifestyle modification programmes. We offer blood pressure checks, cholesterol screening, and cancer prevention services like breast and cervical screening. Our team provides tailored guidance to help patients achieve wellness goals through evidence-based interventions.
People
Dr David J Johnston
GP Partner
OBE recipient with 35+ years' experience, specialising in family medicine. Graduated from Queen's University Belfast in 1989, holding multiple postgraduate qualifications including FRCGP and MSc in Medical Science. Leads clinical governance at Maine Medical.
Dr Jean McCaughern
GP Partner
Medical director with expertise in women's health, qualified since 1989. Holds MRCGP and postgraduate diplomas in child health and family planning. Oversees maternity services and contraceptive counselling at the practice.
Dr Helen McAteer
GP Partner
Senior clinician specialising in chronic disease management, qualified in 1990. Leads diabetes care programmes and contributes to medical education initiatives. Maintains active involvement in clinical research trials.
Mrs Lisa Thompson
Practice Manager
Experienced healthcare administrator managing both sites since 2012. Oversees operational efficiency, staff development, and compliance with NHS standards. Coordinates IT upgrades and patient safety protocols across the practice.
Mrs Lorraine Robinson
Practice Nurse
Registered nurse with 15+ years' experience in primary care. Specialises in asthma management and cervical screening. Conducts regular clinics for chronic condition monitoring and provides wound care services.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve patients in Ahoghill, Cullybackey, and surrounding areas of Ballymena, providing primary healthcare services from our two purpose-built medical centres.
How do I register with the practice?
New patients can register online or by visiting either surgery location with proof of identity and address. Registration forms are available through our website or at reception.
What non-NHS services do you offer?
We provide private medicals for employment, sports, and driving requirements, along with prescription certifications for travel and insurance claim forms at BMA-recommended rates.
Are travel vaccinations available?
Travel vaccination advice is now provided by Ballee Pharmacy. We recommend contacting them directly at 02825631138 for pre-travel health consultations and required immunisations.
What happens outside normal hours?
For urgent medical issues when we're closed, contact Dalriada Urgent Care on 028 2566 3500. For life-threatening emergencies, dial 999 immediately.
How can I access repeat prescriptions?
Use our online services portal for prescription requests, or contact reception directly during opening hours. Allow two working days for processing standard medication requests.
Reviews (2)
Heather Marshall
Jan 14, 2021
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Excellent practice. Everyone from GPs, nursing staff and reception staff are attentive and show they really care about their patients.
K. Bamford
Dec 17, 2018
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It's like trying to get into fort knox here can't see a doctor now until ya tell reception what problem is
