Unlimited GP visits at Swanlinbar Practice

A local doctors’ surgery continues to blaze a trail when it comes to transforming how general medical care is delivered to people living in rural areas.

Swanlinbar Medical Practice has launched a unique subscription service for private patients called Private Patient Subscription (PPS). This scheme provides unlimited GP visits for a set fee of €42 per month, which can be reduced to as little as €7 a month depending on the level of private healthcare cover in place.

Same-day appointments are also guaranteed under the scheme.

The practice is run by partners in life and in business - Dr Cristian Cimpoeru and Dr Yasmin McEnroe. Together, they provide the full range of GP services. The practice also provides the public with other services that include dermatology, minor surgeries, gynaecology, blood tests, paediatrics, ear syringing and mental health consultations.

No stranger to innovation, the practice was shortlisted earlier this year as one of the top three rural GP practices in the country.

One of the many reasons it received such an accolade was the doctors’ ability to take patients on and provide them with the care they need in a timely manner.

“I believe it’s impossible to get a better service in Ireland; I always accept patients and have never refused one in my life,” says the GP, who has been in practice for 11 years since qualifying in January 2014.

Last year, the Swanlinbar community faced down a threat of the local GP service being transferred to neighbouring Ballyconnell under a pilot scheme. The community had been without a permanent GP following the retirement of Dr Jacqueline Ellis-Deering and her husband Kevin in October 2020. Dr Cimpoeru had been acting as a locum in the interim.

Late last year, he signed contracts to become the new permanent GP in Swanlinbar, drawing a line under the uncertainty. Locals had strongly backed his retention and subsequent application for the full-time position.

Dr Cimpoeru and his partner are striving to return that support.

He explained that the new PPS service means that patients are guaranteed unlimited, same-day appointments - “a rarity in Ireland”

He further points out that the appointments are with a GP who knows the patients, and it’s cheaper than accessing an Out Of Hours (OOH) GP service.

“Out of hours services can charge €70 per visit (HSE) and often have long waiting times,” Dr Cimpoeru emphasised.

“Out-of-hours clinics don’t offer the same personalised care. Patients end up waiting, and often see a doctor who doesn’t know their history, leading to overprescriptions or incomplete treatments,” the GP explains.

PPS service is focusing on age groups 8-20 years and aged 50 plus.

This latest service gives financial certainty and a lifeline to patients who may require multiple GP visits throughout the year.

The doctors’ surgery is also accepting new patients, north and south of the border.

“This is most important as we are a Fermanagh border practice and we can facilitate private NHS patients,” said Dr Cimpoeru.

The doctor also recently acquired the Deerings’ house across the street and are now proud to provide a 24/7 presence in the community.

“Our subscription service guarantees same-day appointments with a GP who knows your history, your blood results, and your family’s medical background,” Dr Cimpoeru told the Celt.

“The practice’s approach ensures continuity of care, particularly during Ireland’s long winters, when frequent visits are necessary for children and older adults.

“Patients benefit most from a doctor who understands their unique medical needs, ensuring more effective treatments and better long-term health outcomes.”