Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. Her point is well made. To reiterate, the HSE continues to work in partnership with NoWDOC and Caredoc to ensure the delivery of a safe and appropriate GP out-of-hours service. No decision has been made with regard to any redesign of the service in the area and any such decision will involve the stakeholders concerned. The HSE CHO has confirmed that there are currently no plans to move the treatment centre from Carrick-on-Shannon or to change the level of the services provided there. The Deputy is trying to ensure that does not happen. I assure her that while the HSE CHO concerned is currently examining the delivery of out-of-hours services for the area, no decision has been made and, in particular, there are no plans currently in place to move the Carrick-on-Shannon treatment centre or to change the services provided there. I take on board the points the Deputy has made about the importance of out-of-hours services provided by Caredoc and NoWDOC, or whatever other services are being provided. Those services are hugely important, especially for those who are living in predominantly rural areas, small villages and towns. I will raise the Deputy's concerns with the relevant CHO.

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