SouthDoc to plan for reopening of Blackpool

DIRECTORS of SouthDoc are meeting soon to plan for a reopening of the out-of-hours service’s bases in Blackpool and in Listowel in Kerry.

That’s according to HSE Chief Officer Michael Fitzgerald in a letter to elected representatives sent on Monday in which he set out the ‘numerous’ steps the HSE took to urge SouthDoc to reconsider its closure of the two centres.

Listowel and Blackpool are now the only two SouthDoc centres that remain closed. The North Kerry centre remains closed as a disproportionate number of the town’s GPs were deemed especially vulnerable to Covid-19 due to their age profile.

HSE Chief Officer Michael Fitzgerald informed elected representatives in Cork and Kerry the Executive had sought assurances a number of times from the service after it moved to rescind its decision to reopen Listowel.

“Following ongoing communication, the HSE was advised by SouthDoc that following consideration of their position in relation to delivering services in the context of Covid activity that the Blackpool and Listowel centres would reopen by appointment from January 18th 2021,” he set out.

“The HSE was subsequently informed on January 15th 2021 that SouthDoc had changed its position and had decided not to resume service in these two centres in the context of the sharp increase in Covid numbers that were being experienced at that time.

“While SouthDoc’s position was appreciated in light of the changing pandemic situation, the HSE sought further information and assurance on the reinstatement of the services...While the HSE received a response from SouthDoc on the matter on February 2nd 2021, on consideration there was a need for further clarity.”

“The HSE was advised yesterday, February 25th, that the Board of Directors of SouthDoc will meet shortly to plan the reopening of Blackpool and Listowel centres for scheduled appointments and that SouthDoc will revert after the Board meeting with an update, including the agreed reopening date.”