Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

I thank Deputy Gould for raising this issue and for his consistent engagement in respect of the SouthDoc treatment centre. I am dealing with this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly.

The Minister fully understands that the Deputy is acting out of a genuine concern, his own and that of his constituents, regarding the ongoing provision of out-of-hours GP services in the north side of Cork city. The Minister for Health has regularly engaged through the HSE with SouthDoc with regard to the Blackpool treatment centre as a result of the Deputy's ongoing expressions of concern in this House. I must emphasise that the Minister has regularly received assurances from SouthDoc that there is no intention to close any of its treatment centres.

The Minister also wishes to add that he fully supports this position and has made clear that he is to be advised in advance of any change in this position. SouthDoc has emphasised in its communication with the HSE that any person in Cork city who requires out-of-hours GP care will be provided with that care either at one of its treatment centres or, where the clinical condition of the patients so requires, in the patient's own home. SouthDoc GP appointments are provided on the basis of appointments which are available following contact with SouthDoc call centre and triage services. This is the case for all patients, including those wishing to attend the Blackpool treatment centre.

I am aware of the recent experience of a member of the Deputy's family about which he has spoken in the House previously. On that occasion, incorrect information was provided that the Blackpool treatment centre was closed. Doctors are rostered to provide services in the Blackpool treatment centre. As a result of the Deputy raising those events, the HSE made contact with SouthDoc, which has subsequently taken remedial and retraining steps to ensure that all staff are fully aware of the service delivery throughout the co-op.

The Minister for Health values the Deputy's ongoing engagement on this matter and wishes to provide assurances that there are no plans to close SouthDoc's Blackpool treatment centre.

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