Crisis facing Thurles over replacement GP service – Cahill

GP contract negotiations may put off applications

Local Thurles TD, Jackie Cahill has said that he is very worried about the near 1000 Thurles people who may be without a GP cover following the decision by one GP to retire.

“This is a major concern for patients with medical and GP visit cards that rely on the services provided by their GP,” said the

“This position has been advertised four times already, and is due to be re-advertised in the coming weeks again. However, in every previous round of recruitment, no applications were received, and it’s hard to see the result being any different this time.

“This position should be seen positively by potential applicants. However, something isn’t working for would be GPs in the area.”

“The HSE must explore why it is not an attractive option for graduate doctors.”

“This has been an ongoing issue in Tipperary where it has been significantly difficult to replace rural GPs following retirement. We saw it happen at family practices at Bansha and at Gortnahoe/Glengoole.”

“Now that it is happening in major towns such as Thurles should be a major cause for concern for the HSE and the Government.”

“The local GP is one of the most important services available in rural counties such as Tipperary. The inability of the HSE to find replacements, and leave it to market forces to secure replacements is deeply worrying. They have a responsibility to ensure continuity of service.”

“My concern is that potential applicants are being put off from applying pending the conclusion of negotiations on the proposed new GP contract.”

“This is a major concern for the people of Thurles. The other GPs in the town do not have the capacity to take on more patients.”

“While locum cover will, in the short term, deal with the immediate challenge, it will not deliver the long term services that a community based GP provides.”

“We cannot let this situation go on any longer. The HSE should discuss with the various GP representative organisations about common recruitment campaigns for problem areas like Thurles,” concluded Cahill.


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