Thousands in West Cork without regular after-hours GP service after doctor retires

An estimated 4,000 people live in the catchment area and are now without regular cover during the week and at weekends following the departure of a local doctor

The HSE is engaging with SouthDoc to find a solution to the problem in West Cork. Stock Image: Eddie O'Hare

At least 4,000 people in West Cork are without regular after-hours GP cover after a doctor retired and returned to his native South Africa two weeks ago.

Dr Ernest EJ Cranna, who saved the life of an unborn twin in 2008 during an obstetric emergency, came to Ireland in 2006 to retrace his ancestral roots after retiring from his busy Cape Town practice.

He decided to stay and had worked as a locum in Bantry and Castletownbere SouthDoc ever since.

However, he retired recently and returned to South Africa, leaving the town without a full after-hours service.

Michael Collins during a press briefing by the Rural Independent Group at Leinster House. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

“My understanding is the health service was told he was going to retire some time ago," said Independent TD Michael Collins.

It is unacceptable that at least 4,000 people in the local catchment area in and around Castletownbere do not have a fully functioning after-hours GP service.” 

Castletownbere GP Fiona Kelly is one of two full-time GPs who cover SouthDoc Mondays and Tuesdays.

The other is Dr Jacqueline Glisson, and there is also a semi-retired GP who works part-time with Dr Kelly.

But until October 26, when a new GP is to arrive in the town, nobody is regularly in the area for SouthDoc between 6pm and 8am on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Cover for the weekend shift from 6pm Friday to 8am Monday is also uncertain.

While someone is due to start on Friday evening, there is growing concern about the lack of cover.

Although some GPs from Bantry are helping out, the best most of them can do, in addition to their existing workload, is phone consultations.

The HSE is understood to be engaging with SouthDoc to find a solution to the problem.