The HSE has confirmed that all options for the potential redesign of the operating model for the GP Out of Hours service in Donegal and South Leitrim are being explored.
The NoWDOC GP Out of Hours Service provides an urgent GP service to patients in both areas.
The current operating model is managed and delivered by the HSE (NoWDOC) as part of a hybrid model with Caredoc providing GP's for the delivery of care.
Exploratory discussions have commenced with relevant stakeholders surrounding the most effective arrangements needed to continue to deliver a safe quality driven service for our community.
The examination of the service at this time forms part of the HSE response to clinical concerns raised by Caredoc & NoWDOC staff.
The HSE says that it remains fully committed to supporting our staff who are working in our NoWDOC service, and we will continue to ensure that we maintain excellent working relationships with all our partners and are very focused on working with staff and their representative bodies and to meet any challenges which are being identified.
As part of these communications the HSE has met yesterday with the Donegal Regional Health Forum and Oireachtas members and provided an update in relation to the NoWDOC GP Out of Hours service.
The HSE has described the meeting as positive and constructive and the concerns raised by the public representatives are being listened to.
We have given assurances that the HSE are continuing to work in partnership with NoWDOC & Caredoc to ensure that the public using the GP Out of Hours Service, and the staff working in the service, are provided with the necessary supports to deliver the best care to our service users, while ensuring that patient safety and quality of service are at the forefront of service delivery.
The HSE says that it will continue to communicate and engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure they are fully appraised of, and consulted on, any future developments.
