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General Practitioner Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021

Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Questions (95)

Dara Calleary

Question:

95. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of a replacement general practitioner service for Kiltimagh, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37539/21]

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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.

In relation to the vacant GMS panel in Kiltimagh, the HSE advertised this post on two occasions, however, efforts to find a permanent GP to serve the practice were unsuccessful.   

In order to move away from locum cover and to ensure continuity of care, the HSE made the decision to allow the patients to select a new GP of their choice, rather than attempting to continue to provide cover on a temporary basis. GPs in surrounding areas in addition to the remaining GP in Kiltimagh have agreed to accept patients from the panel of the GP who resigned.

The HSE have assured me that none of these patients will be left without a GP. Any patient who is unable to obtain a GP can contact the National Medical Unit of the HSE who will assign them to a GP.

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