Tippeary Council will today discuss a notice of Motion in respect of the closure of a GP practice in Templemore Town. The Motion in the name of Cllr Michael Smith, Roscrea calls on the HSE to suspend the current proposal for a period of 6 months in relation to transferring patients from a local surgery in Templemore. The Councillor says this time period will allow for meaningful engagement with the local community and interested General Practioners to take over the existing practice. Cllr Smith highlighted that the decision taken recently is causing huge concern and stress particularly the elderly and vulnerable patients. It is now a Health and Safety concern he stated.
The HSE recently informed Medical Card holders with the Doctor that is retiring that their files will be transferred to another medical centre in the town. The HSE says that this involves approximately 800 patients. The HSE has stated that it has no responsibility for the estimated 200 – 300 private patients that were with the retiring doctor’s practice – these people have been advised to seek a doctor in the remaining medical centre in the town or one of the neighbouring towns. The HSE had operated the practice since July 1st when Dr Joe Hennessy retired. They now intend to stop providing locum GP cover as of Oct 21st .
