asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department are taking to provide a medical doctor for Ballyconnell, County Cavan.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cavan Medical Posts.
7.
The appointment of a general practitioner in the Ballyconnell area is a matter for the North Eastern Health Board. They have informed me that a post was advertised and following a subsequent interview a candidate was recommended. The health board were in the process of appointing this doctor but he informed them in a letter dated 20th October that he did not wish to take up the appointment. The board have now readvertised the post.
Did the doctor in his letter give the reasons why he was not able to take up the position, seeing he had entered into competition for the appointment in the first place?
It is only right that I should say the vacancy was advertised and only one doctor replied. He was interviewed on 18th June and the board recommended him for the post. He had service as a general practitioner. Arrangements were made for his medical examination on 31st July but he did not attend. He was asked on a number of occasions subsequently to undergo a medical examination but he did not do so. On 16th October he indicated that he had decided not to accept the appointment. The board wrote to him immediately in an effort to persuade him but he replied by letter of 20th October, which was received only on 28th October, that he had decided not to accept the post. The health board decided to readvertise for a doctor and it appeared on the Sunday papers of 2nd November.
8.
asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in providing a medical doctor for Arva, County Cavan.
Applicants for the post of general practitioner in Arva were interviewed on Thursday, 6th and Friday, 7th November. The recommended applicant is at present being cleared for appointment.