Reilly must intervene as GPs refuse to operate new state-of-the-art Ballyfermot facility – De Róiste

Dublin South Central Fianna Fáil Representative Daithí de Róiste has described the current situation regarding Ballyfermot’s new state of the art Primary Care and Mental Health Centre as farcical.  GPs are refusing to move to the new campus amid a row with management of the new facility over the payment of rent.

De Róiste said, ‘The Primary Care Strategy calls for the development of large integrated Primary, Community and Continuing Care Centres throughout the country.  The fact that the use of this innovative €10 million euro development by the last Government is being held up by GPs and the Irish Medical Organisation is outrageous. I am calling on Minister Reilly to step in and resolve this dispute immediately.’

‘Minister Reilly is a former President of the Irish Medical Organisation, however in this instance he must prioritise the people of West Dublin and stand up to any former colleagues. The Primary Care Strategy will only work for the local community if these GPs agree to operate from the new facility, paying the appropriate rent. I am calling on the Minster to take a stand on this issue.  A nominal fee is the least that should be expected from the GPs.  If the doctors concerned continue to refuse to operate the facility then doctors who are prepared to use it should be sought as a matter of urgency.’

“The new centre will be a one stop shop for all the health and social care services for the entire community.  The new mental health facilities will consist of a Day Hospital, Day Centre and Outpatients Clinic ensuring the Ballyfermot and Lucan Mental Health Teams can continue their work in the community.  The service provides comprehensive care for a wide range of mental illness in a number of settings.  For the service user it means they have the option of being treated within their home, family and community as an alternative to hospital admission.  The service also provides assessment and review clinics, specialist clinics and a wide variety of individual and group therapies.  The community is pleased that the centre was built – it’s time they got to use it.”