Skibb's GP surgery gets new lifeline – for now

THE future of the Cork Road Medical Clinic in Skibbereen has been guaranteed for the short term, following fears that it was due to close later this month.

As reported in The Southern Star last week, the Cork Road Medical Clinic was due to close on May 19th, following the decision by Dr Pat Bailey to relocate to Canada where he said ‘GPs are better resourced.’ 

The clinic was being run by a locum and difficulties in attracting new doctors to the practice for long-term work were cited by Dr Bailey as one of reasons he was closing the clinic.  Several patients of the medical practice had also expressed their disappointment with the reported closure of the clinic and their difficulties in registering in other medical practices.

However, the HSE has confirmed this week that the two existing locums and the practice nurse, and all other support staff at the practice, have agreed to stay on in a temporary capacity.

‘This means that existing medical patients will be able to continue to attend both doctors at the same premises at the surgery at No 8, Cork Road,’ said the HSE spokesperson.

‘We are also recruiting for a full-time GP for the medical care list at this practice as a matter of urgency and it’s important to state that in the meantime, medical card patients at the practice will remain as patients of the locum GPs. The locum/future permanent GP will also continue to provide services to private patients.’