Anger as HSE withdraws GP service from rural area

MORE than 200 elderly and infirm people, most of whom don’t have their own transport, will have to travel nearly five miles to see a doctor after the HSE withdrew the service of a locum from a Co Cork town.

As people gathered in Doneraile yesterday to voice their anger at the move, local Fine Gael TD Tom Barry presented Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, with a petition signed by 720 people against the service being axed.

The locum was employed by the HSE to conduct clinics in the town’s main street, while attempts were made to fill a permanent position.