Southdoc To Remain In Kanturk

SOUTHDOC TO REMAIN IN KANTURK

Fears For Vital Rural Service Shut Down

Following a series of fretful events, SouthDoc Kanturk is now confirmed to be continuing its operations in Kanturk.

SouthDoc have operated from Kanturk for a number of years and have been invaluable to people throughout Duhallow.

Following fears raised back in June, TD Michael Moynihan contacted the HSE, and as seen in a letter posted to social media, was informed that there was no threat to Duhallow services.

However, the 10th of July saw concerns rise once more. Michael Moynihan took to social media to clarify that he was under the impression that there is a threat to the service.

On Cork C103, Deputy Moynihan said “...the information that I have is that there is a threat to the services and that they are looking concentrating the service in the Mallow centre.”

People all over Duhallow expressed frustration and outrage, as well as sharing their own stories about the service and how beneficial it has been to them. If this service was removed, the closest options will be Macroom and Mallow, or even Castleisland for some.

A petition to the HSE was created by Deputy Moynihan in an effort to save the service and within less than 48 hrs, it garnered over 2800 signatures. In his social media post, Michael spoke about his determination to keep this service; “To that end, we will be working might and main to try and retain the services within the Duhallow region, which is hugely important to have in Duhallow...we will be endeavouring to do what we can to try and retain the services within the Duhallow region.”

Deputy Moynihan was met with unending support from people within Duhallow expressing fear and anger at rural services being taken away.

However, July 12th saw a fantastic update - an update from the Minister for Health confirmed the continuation of the service. In this update, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said;

“SouthDoc have confirmed that:”

• The service is to continue and there is no proposal to cease or close the service.

• The SouthDoc Out of Hours service remains available to the patients and full access to the services provided by them.

• The SouthDoc Treatment Centre facility in Kanturk will continue to be maintained by appointment, as is currently the case;

• Any patients that may require a House Visit due to their clinical condition will be treated accordingly.

This update soothed days of anxiety throughout the region, and in response Deputy Moynihan said “This is great news for the entire Duhallow region and I am very grateful to everyone who supported the campaign to retain this service in Kanturk - as of today, over 2800 people have signed the online petition to keep this service in Kanturk. This shows the importance of the service to people in this area and I am glad that common sense has prevailed.”

The region has expressed gratitude for Deputy Moynihan’s diligence, and fears are now subsided as there are no plans to alter or close the service.