FAMILY DOCTORS in the northeast have expressed serious concern at plans by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to close AE units at hospitals in Monaghan, Dundalk and Navan, and say the move could put patients at risk.
The GPs are concerned that the alternatives which have been proposed by the HSE will be inadequate to serve patients in the region.
Members of the out-of-hours GP co-op in the region, Nedoc, have agreed not to co-operate with the planned changes unless there is further consultation.
Dr Peter Wahlrab, outgoing chairman of Nedoc, said there were insufficient structures in place to replace the three AE units earmarked for closure.
“As GPs we have the interests of the patient at heart, and the implementation of Transformation in its current format would seriously risk patient safety,” he said.
“There has been no real consultation with Nedoc as to how the appropriate alternate services could be put in place.
“Nedoc as an entity was asked by the HSE to manage the proposed replacement minor-injury unit in Navan. However, we were given no information in respect of timing, location, staffing, funding, infrastructure, support, etc.”
Dr Daragh O’Neill, a GP in Drogheda and a member of the board of directors of Nedoc, said the lack of information was leading to rumour and unease.
“I would be very worried that the HSE will implement closures before replacement services are in place.”
The HSE reiterated last night that no services would be taken away in the northeast until a better alternative was put in place.
It insisted it was committed to improving the safety and quality of patient care in the region.
“The Transformation programme in the northeast is about the reshaping and integration of community and hospital services so individual members of the public will have access to better quality safe services, which they can have confidence in. The majority of that care can and should be provided locally, including in the community or at home wherever practical.”
It added that it would continue to engage with GPs about the planned changes.