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Concerns Over New GP Service For Kilrush

It's claimed a new service being rolled out in Kilrush, won't be enough to meet the out-of-hours GP needs of West Clare. 

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A video based remote doctor is being introduced, to allow Shannondoc to remain open there for two hours each weeknight. 

But, parents and campaigners have described it as a "sticking plaster" solution.

Communities in West Clare have been reeling following ShannonDoc's decision to scale back services in Kilrush, Ennistymon and Killaloe.

But following outroar from many communities, it's now introducing a new service in Kilrush to minimise the impact of falling GP numbers.

A video-based remote doctor service will be introduced, allowing Shannondoc to open from 8pm until 10pm from Monday to Friday. This will be supported by an on-duty doctor in Miltown Malbay from 6pm to 8am.

But, West Clare mother Sorcha Daly is concerned that the service wouldn't be available to children. 

The system, which has been trialled in the North East of the country, allows a remote doctor to connect with the Kilrush clinic through a secure, encrypted, high definition video link to treat patients.

Deirdre Culligan of the West Clare Lives Matter group has expressed doubt over how it would work on a practical level, due to poor broadband in the area.

She also believes people should be entitled to a face-to-face consultation with a GP. 

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