Mayo TD Keira Keogh welcomes new GP for Westport

Fine Gael TD Keira Keogh has welcomed confirmation that a new GP has been appointed to take over the medical card (GMS) patients of Dr Ita Mullaghy, whose Westport practice is due to close at the end of November.

The incoming doctor has indicated that she has secured accommodation for her practice and is expected to begin on 1 December, ensuring continuity of care for medical card patients.

Deputy Keogh said the development would come as a considerable relief to the many patients and families who have been concerned about the future of their GP care.

“This is a very positive development and will come as a considerable relief to the many patients and families who have understandably been concerned about the future of their GP care,” she said.

She acknowledged the swift action taken by the HSE during the recruitment process and its commitment to having a replacement doctor in place without a gap in service.

“I want to particularly acknowledge the swift action taken by the HSE throughout the recruitment process and their commitment to having a replacement doctor in place without a gap in service,” she said.

Deputy Keogh noted that some final steps in the recruitment process remain to be completed. Once the process is finalised, all GMS patients will be contacted directly in writing by the HSE, outlining the arrangements for their continued GP care.

Private patients

Once these formalities are concluded, Deputy Keogh said she will continue her engagement to seek clarity regarding private patients. While the incoming GP is not obliged to take on private patients, she said she remains hopeful that the new doctor will be in a position to accommodate Dr Mullaghy’s wider patient list.

“I know how important this is to those who have been left uncertain about their future care,” the Fine Gael TD said.

Tribute to Dr Mullaghy

The Deputy also paid tribute to Dr Mullaghy for her 15 years of service to patients in Westport.

“I also want to sincerely thank Dr Ita Mullaghy for her 15 years of dedicated service to patients in Westport. The relationship between a GP and their patients is built on years of trust, and I want to acknowledge the care and commitment she has given to the community,” she said.

Deputy Keogh said her priority throughout has been to ensure continuity of care.

“My priority throughout has been to ensure continuity of care, and I will continue to engage with all involved to support a smooth transition for patients,” she added.