Extra funding for Southdoc described as ‘scandalous’ by Cork TD

A Cork TD has described the payment of an additional €373,800 in funding from the HSE to Southdoc this year as “scandalous” and raised concerns about the out-of-hours service provision.

Cork North-Central Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould received documents under a Freedom of Information request that revealed that over €1m was paid in a grant to Southdoc Ltd for the period of April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024.

In a letter from the HSE’s National Director of Clinical Programme Implementation and Professional Development Pat Healy to Regional Executive Officer Andy Philips dated May 2, 2024, Mr Healy confirmed the grant payable to Southdoc Ltd for the period April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, was €1,227,877.

He said the payment of the grant was strictly subject to certain terms and conditions including that the out-of-hours service would continue to operate on the same basis as usual; that for the period of the grant no out-of-hours consultations provided during co-op hours of operation will be claimable; that Southdoc Ltd will continue to provide to the HSE its medical rosters for the co-op; and that Southdoc Ltd shall be responsible for making all statutory deductions in respect of its remuneration of its direct provider personnel and remitting such deductions in a timely manner to the relevant authorities.

Additionally, on May 2, a letter was sent from Mr Healy to Mr Philips outlining a supplementary grant for the out-of-hours service to assist with the provision of innovative services, such as telephone consultations in respect of patients in nursing homes, those receiving palliative care, or to avoid hospital attendance.

Similar to the year previous, Mr Healy said the annual grant amount of €2m was to be distributed across the GP out-of-hours services on a pro-rata basis in accordance with agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation.

Mr Healy also confirmed a supplementary grant for 2024 for Southdoc Ltd of €373,800 in that same letter.

Speaking about the additional funding allocation, Mr Gould said: “I actually cannot wrap my head around Southdoc seeking additional funding this year given that they have closed a number of centres and Blackpool is closed in all but name.

“The HSE should be reviewing the millions they already pay to Southdoc for a service that is not being fully delivered, not considering additional funding,” Mr Gould said.

“People on the northside deserve an out of hours doctor’s service. Once again, we are being neglected.

“I am deeply frustrated that Southdoc Blackpool was not referenced in any of the correspondence. Government ministers are telling us it’s open, we know that’s not the case. Now the HSE are going to pay Southdoc an additional €373,800 for a reduced service? This is scandalous.”

A Cork Kerry Community Healthcare spokesperson recently said Southdoc is committed long-term to providing the out-of-hours service in Cork city.