Mayo Fine Gael TD, Alan Dillon has said he is seeking clarification from HSE management as to why plans to provide a replacement GP for Kiltimagh did not prioritise the appointment of a locum GP on a temporary basis to allow sufficient time for the recruitment of a permanent GP for the area.
Deputy Dillon made his comments after being contacted by members of the Kiltimagh community. Some medical cardholders and patients of Dr Farrell were unaware of the situation and have now been requested to completed a change of doctor form before May 31 when Dr Farrell officially leaves his position.
Deputy Dillon said: "I have written to HSE management to outline why the community of Kiltimagh were not consulted or informed on this issue or indeed any public representatives on this important matter. Dialogue is important and opening proper channels of communication to work on the best possible options for the community would have been a better way to resolve this issue. For the town of Kiltimagh and surrounding environs, it is vital that the community is supported in maintaining access to the highest level of GP services with adequate cover.
"Losing one of their two local GP’s will certainly have an impact on patients care and delivery of healthcare services. It is still unclear if medical cardholders and patients on Dr Farrells panel will be accommodated by local GP’s in the Kiltimagh area and some are anxious as to what options they have if local GP's are not accepting new patients.
"The situation regarding Dr Farrells replacement was advertised on two separate occasions since February 2021 by the HSE. There are a lot of unanswered questions as to why a locum has not been appointed and the HSE has not been forthcoming in providing information. I am calling on HSE management to do so immediately and to open proper channels of communication."
