Delight after confirmation GP surgery to be retained in Lahardane

The GP surgery in the village of Lahardane is expected to be operational in the coming weeks after an agreement was reached between the HSE and the new GP.

Gerry Loftus of the Rural Ireland Organisation which was leading the campaign to retain the GP service in the north Mayo village confirmed that the new doctor will take up a full-time position in the next few weeks once the surgery is refurbished.

The north Mayo community have been left without a GP service since October 1 last after Dr Enda Loftus who was the GP since 2020 left to take up a vacant GP position in Crossmolina. There were fears in the community that the surgery would be closed forever after the Lahardane GMS (General Medical Services) number, which includes approximately 1,100 medical card holders, was also transferred to the Crossmolina surgery.

However, the local community identified the doctor who was willing to move into the Lahardane surgery and after a number of weeks of negotiations, it is confirmed that the new doctor will take up a full time position.

Mr Loftus said he was delighted that the campaign for a new doctor was nearing an end and looked forward to patients returning to the surgery in Lahardane.

“This is great news for Lahardane that a doctor will take up a full time position in the surgery in the next few weeks. It has been a long and difficult journey to get a doctor there but everything is agreed. It would be an understatement to say we are not relieved because we are. This last month people have been constantly asking what is happening and I am just glad we are able to confirm the position will be filled,” he said.

Mr Loftus said that once the surgery in Lahardane is equipped by the HSE, the doctor will move in but as of yet they do not have a start date. He also confirmed that the new surgery will receive a new GMS number and patients will be able to transfer back to the Lahardane surgery even if they have moved to a new practice following the closure in October.

Mr Loftus thanked the people of Lahardane for not giving up on the idea of retaining a GP service and said it was crucial to the survival of the community.

Local TD Michael Ring also expressed his sincere delight at the imminent reopening of the GP Surgery in Lahardane.

“I have been in constant contact with the HSE in relation to the urgent need for a GP for Lahardane. The appointment of a GP for Lahardane is tremendous news for Lahardane and the surrounding area.

“It is anticipated that the GP will commence work very soon but the GP Surgery needs to be furnished in the first instance.

“I wish to acknowledge the work of the HSE in this matter but I also have to strongly commend and acknowledge the people of the Lahardane community in their drive to restore the GP service to Lahardane. Not alone did they protest strongly to the HSE but the Women’s Community Group kept the surgery open every single morning. The drive and sheer determination shown by this community is to be strongly admired. They ran a tremendous campaign and their hard work has paid off.

“I also wish to take this opportunity to compliment Gerry Loftus on instigating this campaign and dedicating so much time and energy to it too. Anyone that wishes to become a patient of the GP surgery in Lahardane will be able to arrange for their file to be transferred to the surgery.

“I am delighted for the community of Lahardane and surrounding areas that they will once again have a fully operational GP Service. People will be able to access medical services in their locality. I know this matter caused immense stress and worry and I am very pleased that we will be facing into 2024 with a GP in Lahardane,” concluded Deputy Michael Ring.