Cork SouthDoc clinic remains closed as others reopen across the region

A SouthDoc clinic in Cork City has remained closed as others across Cork reopened in recent weeks, it has been revealed.

SouthDoc, the GP out-of-hours service in Cork and Kerry, revealed in March this year that it planned to close down a number of its clinics across Cork, including Blackpool, in implementing a “consolidated model” in the face of Covid-19.

In Cork, SouthDoc operated out of six centres - Mallow, Bandon, Bantry, Castletownbere, Midleton and Kinsale Road - for a number of months until clinics began to reopen across the region.

However, while others have reopened, the Blackpool SouthDoc clinic has remained closed.

In reply to a query from Cork TD Thomas Gould (SF), the HSE said it is in discussions with SouthDoc over service in the weeks and months ahead.

Deputy Gould had asked if the Blackpool clinic was closed and sought a timeline for its reopening.

Teresa O’Donovan, head of service of primary care in Cork and Kerry, told the Cork TD:

“Cork Kerry Community Healthcare’s contractual relationship with SouthDoc is for the provision of out of hours GP services for medical card holders in the region.

“We are in touch with SouthDoc on an ongoing basis and the type of location of its services is part of those discussions.

“Earlier this year, SouthDoc informed us that it planned to temporarily close some locations as part of measures to minimise the risk of spread of Covid-19,” she added.

“All centres in Cork city and county, except Blackpool, have now reopened.

“We are continuing discussions with SouthDoc with regard to how their service will be delivered in the weeks and months ahead.

“SouthDoc have assures us that every possible effort has been made and will continue to be made to avoid or minimise any impact on patients.”