Crowe meets Kildysart locals to discuss concerns over GP care

Over 70 people from Kildysart and surrounds attended a meeting called by Clare Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe on Monday evening to discuss the provision of GP care in the village and healthcare more widely within the County.

Deputy Crowe organised the meeting in response to concerns raised by locals regarding the opening hours of the local GP service.

According to Deputy Crowe: “It was abundantly clear from the feedback from local residents that they are very happy with the level of care they receive once they are before a GP but they are disappointed with some operational matters including opening hours and wait times for an appointment.

“Many patients are anxious that appointments are sometimes offered in Clarecastle, which is 21 kilometres from their village. This is not a well serviced public transport route and doesn’t suit a lot of people who need to arrange lifts to attend appointments outside the village.

“Given that the local practice in Kildysart serves a large cohort of medical card holders, the State and the HSE have an involvement in this and I have raised this with Minister Stephen Donnelly. I have also requested a meeting with the GP to convey the concerns of locals directly. I have pledged to organise a follow up meeting with locals in a few weeks when I can update them.”

Also attending on the evening was Cllr Michael Shannon, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan and Senator Timmy Dooley. At Deputy Crowe’s invitation, Angela Coll, Chairperson of the Friends of Ennis Hospital Group, gave a brief outline of recent work they have been doing to lobby for an additional Model 3 hospital in the County. Deputy Crowe also outlined his belief that a slice of the €14.1bn Apple tax determination go to funding a much-needed Model 3 hospital in the County.