Health officials say they "remain hopeful" that a new contractor will be appointed to take over two key medical practices in Co Down.
It was announced in August that the current GP partners at Priory Surgery in Holywood, which incorporates Springhill Surgery in Bangor, will hand back their contract to health bosses early next year.
The practices will stop providing General Medical Services from February 1, 2023, if no new doctors can be found.