Westport out-of-hours GP services ‘no longer fit for purpose’

Minister of State Alan Dillon TD has urged the HSE to expand capacity and improve facilities for out-of-hours GP services in Mayo, highlighting the need for modern, accessible infrastructure to support both patients and healthcare professionals.

Speaking on the issue, Minister Dillon expressed concern over the current premises used by WestDoc in Westport, describing it as “no longer fit for purpose.” He stressed the importance of ensuring that GPs on call and patients requiring urgent care have access to a safe, well-equipped environment.

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“The current facility in Westport is no longer fit for purpose,” he said. “We need to ensure that our frontline healthcare professionals have the right environment to deliver safe and effective care, especially during out-of-hours periods when patients are most vulnerable.”

Following discussions with Seamus Beirne, Head of Primary Care, Minister Dillon confirmed that plans are at an advanced stage to relocate the WestDoc service into the Westport Primary Care Centre. The move is expected to enhance both the quality and efficiency of the service for the local community.

In addition to the relocation, Minister Dillon has called for a second out-of-hours GP base to be established at the Primary Care Centre in Castlebar. He noted that some patients are currently required to travel to Westport for urgent care before returning to Castlebar to attend the Emergency Department.

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“A dedicated out-of-hours GP service in Castlebar would be hugely beneficial for the town and its wider region,” he said. “It would reduce unnecessary pressure on the Emergency Department, improve patient outcomes, and ensure timely access to care for those who rely on these vital services.”

Drawing on his own experience as a parent, Minister Dillon underscored the importance of timely healthcare access for families: “As a father of young children, I know how essential it is to have timely access to out-of-hours GP services. WestDoc has been a lifeline for many families across Mayo, including my own. The service is excellent but now is the time to enhance its capacity and reach to meet the growing needs of our communities.”