GP services arrangement in Clare village causing "huge amount of hardship"

THE MINISTER for Health Stephen Donnelly has said GP services for Newmarket-on-Fergus will continue to operate out of Carrigoran Nursing Home until the end of 2023.

Local councillors are now calling on the HSE to step in and provide a premises in the East Clare village.

The village's medical practice has been operated out of the nursing home since June 2020 by Saffron and Blue Medical Centre, following the retirement of Dr Colm Hackett in May 2019. Dr Hackett had served as GP for 42 years.

This arrangement had been due to end in September, but will now be extended until December, according to Mr Donnelly. The minister confirmed the extension following a visit from a community delegation from Newmarket-on-Fergus.

At the July meeting of Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Pat McMahon submitted a motion asking the HSE to provide suitable premises for GP services in Newmarket-on-Fergus.

He estimated it would cost €150,000 to convert a premises in the village into a GP centre with a reception and waiting area, rooms for GP and nursing practices, toilets and a kitchen.

Cllr Pat O'Gorman supported Cllr McMahon's motion, saying it was vital the HSE step in as "the people of Newmarket-on-Fergus need a doctor," and that there were over 800 medical card holders in the area.

Cllr O'Gorman described a recent public meeting in the village as "very emotional as the people are afraid they will lose their doctor." 

Cllr Gerry Flynn urged Shannon MD to contact the HSE And Minister for Health directly on the matter, as Dr Hackett's retirement had "created a huge amount of hardship for people" and the current arrangement at Carrigoran was not ideal. Many older people do not drive, he said, and it was a "huge inconvenience to try to get to Carrigoran".