Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy. I understand that this issue is very important. The provision of out-of-hours GP services is an important part of healthcare and it is essential that people have access to out-of-hours GP services when needed. It is worrying that the Deputy spoke about children travelling in a taxi during the night to the hospital. That is a concern and is definitely something we need to address.

As the Deputy knows, for Cork and Kerry, out-of-hours urgent GP care is provided by the SouthDoc co-operative. It provides a medical service to a population of approximately 736,000, in addition to the visitors to the area, and it dealt with over 200,000 patient contacts in 2024. While they are private organisations, the HSE provides substantial funding to support out-of-hours co-operatives through individual service level arrangements. To ensure its continued viability, SouthDoc continually reviews its service provision formally with the HSE and on an ongoing basis internally. The Department of Health has engaged with the HSE on the Deputy’s concerns regarding the Blackpool treatment centre. SouthDoc has assured that there is no intention of closing any SouthDoc treatment centre.

SouthDoc provides services on an appointment basis across all treatment centres. When an individual contacts SouthDoc, all relevant information is taken. The nature and the clinical condition of the patient then determines the service provided. If it is determined that a consultation with the duty doctor is appropriate, depending on the circumstances, the consultation may be provided remotely, in person at a suitable treatment centre or through a home visit.

SouthDoc has advised that, since September 2023, routine appointments for patients in Cork city are scheduled at the primary treatment centre on Kinsale Road. In the event that a patient is unable to attend Kinsale Road, they may require a home visit or need to be seen in the Blackpool facility. The location of the appointment is a clinical decision made by the doctor on duty. This operational adjustment was implemented as part of an organisation-wide service review aimed at optimising resources and service delivery while maintaining patient care standards within the available budget.

The HSE has confirmed the Blackpool treatment centre remains available for urgent appointments, where necessary. Patients unable to attend the Kinsale Road centre continue to be seen at the Blackpool centre. In addition, home visits continue in the Blackpool area, supporting patients who meet the clinical criteria and are unable to travel for their appointment. The provision of this service will continue to be evaluated by SouthDoc and the HSE on an ongoing basis. That is what I have been informed by the Department.

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