Kiltimagh GP service concerns raised in the Dáil

THE concerns of medical card holders in Kiltimagh who have to find a new GP before the end of the month have been raised in the Dáil this week.

Deputy Alan Dillon is seeking clarification from HSE management as to why plans to provide a replacement GP for Kiltimagh did not prioritise the appointment of a locum doctor on a temporary basis to allow time to recruit a permanent GP.

Speaking the Dáil, he said the handling of the situation by the HSE has been 'hugely disappointing', with no stakeholder consultation with the local community or community representatives about filling the permanent position.

Elderly people, he said, were shocked when informed by the HSE last Friday that they were required to find new GPs before May 31.

The HSE have advertised for a replacement GP twice.

The situation, said Deputy Dillon, will have a knock-on effect for the provision of GP services in Kiltimagh with only one remaining GP in the town.

He called on the Taoiseach and Minister for Health to intervene and seek clarification from the HSE and request they re-advertise for a temporary locum until a permanent GP is recruited.