Swad doc looks to extend services

The newly appointed GP in Swanlinbar is seeking planning permission from Cavan County Council to change the use of a domestic garage to new consultation rooms as part of his ambitions to further expand health services in the rural village.

Works will include construction of a fully-serviced, single-storey extension to front of the property at Creamery Road in the west Cavan village, together with a connection to the existing public sewer, parking facilities and all other associated site works.

Dr Cristian Cimpoeru last week signed contracts to become the new permanent GP in Swanlinbar, drawing a line under what had become an uncertain situation and talk of a pilot scheme run out of neighbouring Ballyconnell.

Locals however backed the retention of Dr Cimpoeru, who had been operating in the role as GP on a locum basis following the retirement of Dr Jacqueline Ellis-Deering and her husband Kevin in October 2020.

Following pressure, the HSE agreed to advertise the role for a sixth time in April - no applications had been received for any of the previous campaigns.

Speaking to the Celt, Romanian national Dr Cimpoeru informed this newspaper that he and his partner Dr Yasmine McEnroe, who have purchased the Deerings’ former home and are in the process of renovating it, want to add another nurse and possibly a doctor to the practice.

A decision on the planning application is due on or before July 8.