Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

SouthDoc has provided assurances that the Blackpool treatment centre has not closed and there is no intention to withdraw services from any SouthDoc treatment centre. Patients continue to be dealt with by appointment only. That will remain unchanged. Appointments are available following contact with the SouthDoc call centre and triage services. Any person who requires out-of-hours GP care will be provided with that care either at a suitable treatment centre or, where his or her clinical condition so requires, in the patient's home. An assurance has again been received that consultations by appointment are still provided at the Blackpool treatment centre where appropriate. Furthermore, SouthDoc has advised, as I said, that there is no intention to close any of its treatment centres.

Regarding the issue of the closure or relocation of two GP services, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare has advised that one GP in the Cork city area has resigned. Where a vacancy arises, the HSE takes appropriate measures to ensure continuity of care for the patients concerned. The HSE has advised that interviews have concluded to ensure this patient panel will transfer safely and effectively to another GP within the area. The HSE is to communicate with the general medical services, GMS, patients concerned within the next two weeks informing them of their new GP.

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