Health Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021

Tuesday, 11 May 2021

Questions (922)

Thomas Gould

Question:

922. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that despite a commitment given to the HSE, SouthDoc is refusing to see persons in its Blackpool, County Cork, facility in cases in which they indicate that they cannot travel to Kinsale Road; and if he will engage with SouthDoc on this issue and support the HSE in formally pursuing the full reopening of SouthDoc, Blackpool, through whatever means necessary including financial penalties. [24619/21]

Written answers

Minister for Health

HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare (CKCH) was advised by SouthDoc on 22nd April 2021 that the Blackpool treatment centre would be available for appointments the following week. The Blackpool treatment centre has opened to patients by appointment.

CKCH have advised that SouthDoc has confirmed that they plan to restore out-of-hours GP services at the Blackpool centre to pre-Covid-19 levels. The HSE continues to engage with the SouthDoc Board of Directors in relation to the return to its full level of service.

As SouthDoc are a private organisation, individual complaints regarding the provision of service should be made directly to SouthDoc.