Clarity to be sought on NoWDOC future

With the future of the NoWDOC service up in the air, a high-powered meeting will take place this Friday.

Members of the HSE Western Regional Health Forum will meet with senior HSE officials and Oireachtas members.

“We have put concerns to the HSE and there is a meeting now on Friday,” Councillor Gerry McMonagle, who is the Chairperson of the HSE Western Regional Health Forum, confirmed to Tuesday's meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District.

“It is very much up there on our agenda.”

Councillor McMonagle said the picture regarding the continued provision of the NoWDOC service is 'very blurry' and Friday's meeting was an attempt 'to seek clarity'.

Last month, the HSE said 'exploratory talks' had begun and HSE chiefs say this was an attempt to find 'the most effective' way to deliver the service.

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In addition to Friday's meeting, Donegal County Council is to write to the HSE to seek answers, following a motion by Letterkenny-based Councillor Donal Coyle.

“It is worrying given the situation the healthcare service is in, especially in Letterkenny University Hospital, and the pressure doctors are under,” Councillor Coyle said.

“Doctors, nurses and other staff are snowed under. Every single family in the county depends on this service. Anything that dilutes this, we need to strongly oppose it.

“It is a very uneasy time for staff. A central location for a call centre isn't conducive for providing a local service.

“This will diminish a good service. The service is second to none and it is vital that we keep this on the agenda.”

Councillor Michael McBride highlighted the overcrowding issues which continue at LUH.

Last week, 56 people were left waiting at least 24 hours for a bed.

“There are massive challenges,” said Councillor Ciaran Brogan, “and there is no doubt that this service isn't as good as when it was set up. We could spend hours on this issue.”

NoWDOC is a partnership between the GP members of Caredoc and the HSE and provides an urgent GP service to patients in Donegal and south Leitrim.

Sources suggest that Caredoc could be about to take complete charge of the service.

There is currently a centre in Letterkenny which is able to triage patients. Donegal Live understands that new plans would see this service taken out of Letterkenny.

The current system for out of hours services is managed by the HSE as part of a hybrid model with Caredoc.

“We will ensure that we are engaging with staff directly and with their representative bodies throughout these discussions,” the HSE told Donegal Live last month.

“The HSE will continue to communicate and engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure they are fully appraised of and consulted on any future developments.”