The provision of a primary care centre in Tuam would reduce the pressure on the already overburdened emergency department at University Hospital Galway, according to a local county councillor.
Tuam politician Seán Canney says such a centre would provide a “one stop shop” for multi disciplinary services, including x-ray facilities, ultrasound tests, minor injuries, daycare and stepdown facilities as well as linking into the services of other primary care professionals such as specialist childcare, disability, nutrition and dietetic services.
Challenging the health service executive on its plans for Tuam and North Galway, he is insisting Tuam be included in its blueprint for primary care facilities.
“The primary care model is less expensive to manage and will also prevent patients with minor complaints from attending the accident and emergency unit of UHG,” says the former mayor of County Galway.
He says while a “vibrant” primary care team exists in Tuam it does not have adequate accommodation.
“With the development of the ambulance base it is now timely for the HSE to deliver for Tuam in terms of a fully resourced primary care centre on the ‘Grove’ site,” says the independent east Galway councillor.
“I am requesting the HSE to account for the €15 million allocated by the Department of Health and I am insisting on the HSE confirming their intentions to include ‘the Grove’ in Tuam as a primary care centre.”
The GMIT lecturer, who topped the poll in the Tuam electoral area and received the highest number of first preference votes in the county in the 2009 County Council elections, says he understands the Government is looking at funding primary care centres with areas of deprivation being prioritised.
“Tuam has been promised much in relation to heath services over the years, the time has come for delivery.” .
