The HSE have rejected the proposal of GPs to remove the NowDoc red-eye services from Carndonagh and Derrybeg, it has been announced.
Welcoming the decision, Deputies Pearse Doherty and Padraig MacLochlainn said in a statement: “We welcome the decision of the HSE to maintain the current level of NowDoc services in Donegal. This service is vital to ensure an adequate level of access to emergency care for communities in rural Donegal.
“We have consistently highlighted the need for the NowDoc service to remain in situ and had organised public meetings in Carndonagh and Gweedore to highlight this issue, which, in light of today’s decision, will not proceed.
“We commend the public in their active campaign to retain the service – a citizen’s initiative in west Donegal gathered thousands of signatures form the community- which combined with pressure from trade unions and public representatives we feel was instrumental in the decision made by the HSE.
“The HSE have clearly recognised that this service is fundamental and they were fully aware of our view that any attempts to reduce it would be met with strong opposition.
“We call on the HSE to provide clarification in relation to their future plans for the NowDoc service and for a commitment from HSE Management that no attempts will be made to erode the level of service currently provided. ENDS
