asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that there is no dispensary doctor in Ballinlough, County Roscommon; and if he will take the necessary steps to have a dispensary doctor appointed there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Roscommon Dispensary Doctor.
14.
The recruitment of permanent dispensary doctors has been terminated in view of the approaching commencement of the choice of doctor scheme.
The new scheme will eliminate dispensary boundaries with the result that present dispensary doctors may serve a wider area than under the dispensary system. Private general practitioners will also be eligible to participate in the scheme and thus patients in general will have a wider choice of doctor. Eligible persons in Ballinlough dispensary district will be able to apply for registration with any doctor residing within seven miles who participates in the scheme.
It is intended to introduce the new scheme in the Western Health Board area on 1st October next.
I might add that the Ballinlough dispensary district is at present being served by a temporary medical officer living in an adjoining district.