Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

18. To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on South Doc services in Skibbereen, Clonakilty and Bandon. [19963/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

South-West Doctor-on-Call Limited, known as SouthDoc, provides OOH GP services for Counties Cork and Kerry. It has a membership of over 500 GPs and a network of 26 treatment centres including those at Skibbereen, Clonakilty and Bandon. SouthDoc dealt with over 212,000 patient contacts in 2023.

I would like to assure the Deputy, that the HSE is in regular contact with SouthDoc to ensure appropriate service provision as per their Service Level Agreement. The HSE has advised that SouthDoc continues to provide the level of service agreed under the SLA at its Treatment Centres, and there are no plans to make any changes. The HSE are to be engaged with in advance of any review of service that would impact patients.

The SouthDoc service is available on an appointment basis only. When an individual contacts SouthDoc all relevant information is taken. The nature and the clinical condition of the patient then determines the service provided. A GP consultation may be provided, depending on the circumstances, remotely, in-person at a suitable treatment centre or through a home visit.

I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding the level of service provided at certain treatment centres, these concerns have been shared with the HSE. As with other providers, SouthDoc reviews the allocation of their doctors and continually evaluates service provision to ensure effective service delivery. SouthDoc have advised there has been no reduction in the services provided at their treatment centres.