1,000 Connemara GP patients to be left in the lurch

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has moved to try to reassure patients in Connemara that adequate cover for the imminent retirement of a GP is being arranged.

However, the HSE has conceded it has not yet sourced a locum or permanent General Practitioner replacement for Dr Mary Feerick, GP in An Cheathrú Rua, who is due to retire. And it is feared that more than 1,000 patients will be left without GP cover on Friday week, August 4.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh lashed the HSE for its “inaction” in implementing interim measures.

The Sinn Féin Senator said that “while HSE staff are heading on holidays, no arrangements have been put in place”.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh said the health authority was aware of the situation two months ago, and he queried how, a week out from retirement, a “totally unacceptable situation” exists.

“I understand that there may be discussions ongoing with a doctor who may be willing to take up the post in the medium term, but that no contract has been agreed and it is unclear when a new GP will be in situ.

“In the meantime, no cover has been agreed for Dr Feerick’s patients. They don’t know what they should do when she retires. Even if they can find another doctor who will treat them it is unclear if that GP will have access to their files and medical history or how far they may have to travel.

“The staff who have worked in Dr Feerick’s clinic have no idea where they stand either. And other GPs in the area who at present work in a four-in-one out-of-hours rota with Dr Feerick will be put under extra pressure to work in a three-in-one rota from that date as well.

“I understand that Dr Feerick has made every effort to accommodate the HSE in regard to this situation. I am also told that this was brought to the attention of the HSE by other GPs in the area over two months ago.

“They met with the HSE three weeks ago and still nothing has been agreed to provide an interim GP service.

“I find this totally unacceptable, particularly as I am also told that the person dealing with the situation in the HSE is heading off on holidays this week,” said Senator Ó Clochartaigh.

In a statement, the HSE said interviews to fill the vacancy in An Cheathrú Rua took place in June, and a successful candidate was offered the position. The HSE received an email on July 25 to confirm the successful candidate decided not to take up the position.

The HSE said it was “very disappointed” with that news but was making efforts to fill the post. It said “efforts are underway” to recruit a locum until a new permanent GP is appointed.

■ For more on this story, see the print edition of the Connacht Tribune.