'Maintain services in community': GP contract ensures Longford area will retain practice

The confirmation that a GP contract has been signed for Lanesboro has been welcomed by a Longford Oireachtas member.

Longford TD Micheál Carrigy said it is important the 'service is kept in a rural area'.

The Fine Gael representative recently highlighted the GP contract for Longford Town and Lanesboro.

"I sought confirmation that the contract would be signed at the end of the month with the commitment that those who take on the contract commit to maintaining the existing surgeries that are there in the relevant towns such as Longford and Lanesboro."

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Deputy Carrigy said they have identified a GP to take over the practice in both areas, and the contract for it states that they must provide a clinic in both Lanesboro and Longford.

He said that he believes that stipulation is very important and it is vital the clinic in Lanesboro is retained as part of the contract to maintain the existing level of service in the area.

Deputy Carrigy stated he had been in touch with the Carole Broadbank, the HSE Midlands Area Chief Officer, and Joe Ruane, Head of Primary Care at HSE Midlands, the regional lead.

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The Ballinalee native sai he had emphasised to them the importance of the South Longford area having a good quality existing surgery and a comparable one to the practice in the county town.

"You want to keep the service in a rural area and it's about maintaining services in the community,” he concluded.