Sinn Fein TD Deputy Pearse Doherty has called it ‘concerning’ that there is still no replacement in place for the local GP in Ardara.
Well-liked Dr Mireille Sweeney announced her resignation in June from the medical practice.
She cited the difficulties of working in a “single-handed” GP surgery as part of her decision to move on, after many failed attempts to bring more doctors to the area to assist her, and eventually take over her role.
Dr Sweeney will vacate her position on August 22nd.
Dr Mireille Sweeney.
“It is not acceptable that the GP in Ardara has had to go public with her concerns regarding her replacement,” Deputy Doherty said today.
He added that Dr Sweeney had not been notified if a replacement had been found, or if interviews had been held, despite reaching out to the HSE.
“It was only when she went public with her concerns that the HSE provided an update saying it is currently in an active recruitment process. This isn’t good enough,” he continued.
Deputy Doherty has previously raised the issue through a Parliamentary Question and written to the HSE back in May.
“At that time, I was told that the HSE will be progressing with the recruitment of a replacement, as a priority. Despite this, there are still no clear details of the time frame.
“I have now written to the HSE again requesting clarification on where the recruitment process is at and outlining my concerns.
“In only 13 days from now the current GP will have worked out her notice and the HSE has had ample time to prepare for this outcome.”
The Donegal TD said there has to be more transparency regarding matters like this, both with information provided to the resigning GP and the local community who are now concerned for the future of the Ardara Health Centre.
“Staff working at the health centre will also rightly be concerned for their futures.
“We know of the challenges of recruiting GPs in rural areas, and this makes it all the more important that there is more communication from the HSE regarding the recruitment process.”
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