G.P.'S FOR BEARA

Beara is currently only covered by one full time GP, Dr. Colin Gleeson and one Locum - the fourth since the departure of Dr. Brian O'Donovan last April.  This was highlighted once again, today, in John Greene's programme on 103FM County Sound when John interviewed our local Councillor Noel Harrington.

Noel stated that this situation is totally unacceptable and must be rectified immediately.  The doctors who are currently working here are under tremendous pressure - being on duty every second night and every second week-end.  There is no quality of family life in these hours of work and he mentioned that this was one of the reasons why Dr. O'Donovan left last year and was probably the reason why the Southern Health Board are having difficulty in recruiting his replacement.  Something must be done - perhaps a third doctor to be recruited - which would lessen the work load considerably and improve the quality of life of each doctor.

G.P. CO-OP's are set up in other areas and working well - but this situation could never work here.  We could not rely on the time span it would take for a GP to come from Bantry or Kenmare to a patient - and then have to locate the house - could be anywhere in any of the parishes - this is just not acceptable - the only way a co-op would work would be with the existing doctors in the region - but unfortunately we only have 1 full time one at present.  A co-op cannot be formed with just one doctor.

Another issue that Noel Harrington raised - is the current situation with the Southern Health Board and the Local St. Joseph's Hospital, in that only one doctor is allowed to treat patients there.  If that doctor is off duty, then the doctor who is called to treat a patient - is not paid.  This along with the fact that the doctor, not attached to the hospital, cannot  follow up treatment with his/her patient in the hospital, under any circumstances.  He also stated that rumours were abound in the peninsula last week that the 'emergency room' facility in St. Joseph's Hospital was due for closure.  While it is not totally adequate - it is better than nothing and having to travel to Bantry each time for minor cuts etc. 

Noel stressed that he was currently making representations with the Southern Health Board on these issues and he would not let it go until they were resolved.  It is a ludricous situation to be in - a peninsula spanning 50 miles with 2 off-shore islands - and only 1 permanent doctor.

Last year, Denis Regan, Chairman, Beara Action Group, was also interviewed on this matter on County Sound.  From representations made to him following this interview, the feeling by most people is that 2 more doctors be appointed - perhaps one of them being a female, a proper Medical Centre to be established - fully staffed and the right of each doctor to follow their patient into the hospital to continue their treatment there.

Please give your views on the News Forum that is set up - linked from the main 'Headline' page of this site - so that we can bring your views when arguing these points on your behalf with the powers that be.