MINISTER for Health Stephen Donnelly wrote to Clare TD Violet Anne Wynne recently, regarding the future of out of hours medical care in Shannon.
The Minister advised Ms Donnelly that while the local Shannondoc facility will not be opening in the near future, doctors may still come to Shannon to help patients.
In his letter Minister Donnelly stated, “The HSE have advised that the Shannondoc contingency plan in response to Covid-19 is an interim plan in the current pandemic environment.
“Within the proposed contingency plan, while GPs may not be stationed in the Shannon treatment centre, they will be available to treat patients in Shannon, if and when required. Following triage, the GP will, as deemed clinically appropriate, come and see the patient in the treatment centre, carry out a home visit or, arrange a virtual consultation.
“The Shannondoc Covid-19 contingency plan facilitates where there are increased demands in certain areas, support can be provided from other treatment centres to ensure services are provided where most needed. It is anticipated that this arrangement will help provide a more time responsive service in Co Clare.”
Owen Ryan
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.