Michael Creed
Ceist:156 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health if a vacancy has arisen in the general medical scheme as a result of the retirement of a doctor (details supplied) in County Cork; and if that vacancy will be advertised and filled.
Written Answers. - GMS Vacancy.
The filling of a vacancy in the GMS scheme is a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board. I understand from the Southern Health Board that the doctor referred to by the Deputy retired from the GMS on 23 September 1991 and that a locum has been appointed to the panel pending a decision by the board as to future arrangements for the provision of general practitioner services in the area. In arriving at their decision, the board will take cognisance of all aspects of the practice including the geography of the area, the number of doctors practising in the area and the views of the Irish Medical Organisation. The board expect to be in a position to reach a decision in this matter within the next few weeks.