Brendan Griffin
Question:134. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48341/19]
View answerThursday, 21 November 2019
Questions (134)
Written answers
The HSE is committed to the provision of high-quality GP services through the GMS GP contract. Appointments in respect of new or vacant GMS posts are made through open competition following advertisement and competitive interview. Periodically, challenges can be experienced in regard to the permanent filling of some GP posts. In areas where this challenge is experienced, every effort is made by local HSE management to ensure the provision of GP services to all GMS patients.
The HSE has repeatedly advertised the GMS list of 380 patients in an effort to put in place a permanent GP to serve the practice. However, the financial viability of a practice of this size is a challenge for GPs and it has not been possible to find a replacement.
As a result of this, the HSE wrote to the GMS patients served by this practice in early November 2019 advising them that the practice would close in December 2019 and providing them with information on how to find an alternative GP.
In light of the community reaction to this announcement, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare held a meeting with the local community and public representatives on Monday November 18 to listen to local concerns and to discuss any possible additional measures that could be taken to attract a GP to the GMS contract in Milltown. Cork Kerry Community Healthcare has also postponed the closure of the practice to early 2020 to provide time to the local community to work on possible additional measures.