The new CEO of the HSE, Cathal Magee, attended his first official engagement in Westmeath this week when he launched the new Kinnegad Primary Care Team.
The primary care team, which will operate out of a new facility on Kinnegad’s main street, aims to make health services easily accessible for clients, with a broader range of services being made available locally.
The team consists of GP services, community nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, home help, and extended services such as dietetics, counselling, speech and language therapy, and other health services.
Launching the team, Mr Magee praised the work of pharmacist John Gildea and the team at the centre.
“I am delighted to be here today to officially launch the Kinnegad Primary Care Team. I would like to take this opportunity to commend all those involved in establishing this team for their work and commitment.
“Primary Care is about delivering comprehensive care to patients and clients as close to home as possible. It is about this team being the first point of contact when you need help. The team here today is a critical building block for our new health service,” said Mr Magee.
Acting local health manager, Dorrie Mangan, added, “It is envisaged that it will make a real difference in the areas of disease prevention, rehabilitation, and personal social services.”
“A very positive aspect is that we are finding in the initial stages of this development that there is real and meaningful engagement with members of the local community and community organisations, through the work of primary care team.”
Fine Gael Senator Nicky McFadden, who attended the launch, warmly welcomed the new team, which she said would provide extra services to the local community and help alleviate pressure on Mullingar hospital.
“I warmly welcome the initiative by John Gildea and his wife Orna and the GPs who are participating in the new primary care centre...Facilities which allow people to be treated in their own communities without having to queue endlessly in busy A&Es are better for the patient and better for the health service.
“I would like to congratulate the HSE for funding the project and wish everyone who attends the centre good health.”
