GP services continue in Swanlinbar

Swanlinbar patients will not have to find a replacement GP in the event that the HSE can't find a new doctor for the border village.

Dr Jacqueline Ellis-Deering and Dr Kevin Deering retired on October 31, bringing a close to their 28 year tenure at Swanlinbar Health Centre.

A locum was in place at Swanlinbar Health Centre from Monday, November 2.

"He will be in situ until we source a permanent replacement," said a HSE spokesperson. "There is no change to the practice contact number. We hope it is a seamless transition for patients."

Combined the Deerings had 588 patients on their panels, which the HSE advise is "considerably less" than maximum capacity per GP.

"One GP can manage 588 patients comfortably," said the spokesperson.

Deputy Brendan Smith welcomed the news that there would be no break in continuity of GP services.

"The commencement of services by the Locum GP is most welcome," said the Fianna Fáil deputy. "Many constituents in the wider Swanlinbar area had spoken to me regarding the absolute need to retain GP services locally and I had outlined those views very strongly to the HSE which they fully accepted.”