Vol. 506 No. 4
78 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that only four hours per week are devoted to doctors' visits in the health centre in Shrule, County Mayo; his views on whether this is adequate to service the community; if he has had investigations made into the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15658/99]
The provision of appropriate GP cover in Shrule is a matter for the Western Health Board. I understand from the board that a general practitioner provides a scheduled clinic in Shrule health centre every Wednesday afternoon. Domiciliary visits are made by the GP on a daily basis as requested and 24 hour emergency cover is provided by the GP seven days a week. The GP has his main centre of practice in Cong with daily morning clinics which patients attend. Cong is nine-ten miles from Shrule, Headford is four miles from Shrule and has four practising GP's and Ballinrobe is ten miles away with two practising GP's. Patients from the Shrule area would also attend GP's in these areas.
The Western Health Board is satisfied that adequate GP cover is provided in the Shrule area.
