Cork TD says Blackpool SouthDoc is 'effectively' shut with no patients seen in January

A Cork TD has called for an investigation to be carried out on what he believes is the closure of Blackpool SouthDoc, a claim which is being disputed by the HSE.

Sinn Féin Deputy Thomas Gould raised concerns in the Dáil in regard to the Blackpool service.

Speaking in the Dáil, the Cork North-Central TD said the figures reveal that the Blackpool treatment centre has effectively been closed, despite official claims to the contrary.

"The HSE are telling me it’s not closed, but in January 2019 it saw 2,180 patients, and this January 2025 it saw zero. The figures show that it is closed.” 

The HSE has insisted that Blackpool SouthDoc remains operational despite no patients being seen in the centre in January 2025.

In response, Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor defended the current service arrangement.

"SouthDoc has assured that there is no intention to close any South Doc treatment centres, most appointments are now scheduled at the Kinsale Road centre, but patients can still be seen at Blackpool or receive home visits if required."

Mr Gould accused SouthDoc of sharing false information, stating that many of his constituents have had to travel to the Kinsale Road Treatment Centre or the A&E in CUH and the Mercy Hospital for out of hours care.

“They’ve sent you in here, Minister, with false, untrue information. That’s not good enough for the people on the northside. Children are travelling in taxis to hospital through the night right across the city, passing the door to Blackpool,” the deputy said.

Minister Murnane O’Connor stated that figures shared with her from SouthDoc revealed that 22 patients were treated in the Blackpool location and 410 home visits conducted in the area as of June 5, 2025.

Mr Gould said:
“SouthDoc is being paid millions of euro each year to provide an out-of-hours service in Kinsale Road and in Blackpool they have closed, and no one is willing to admit it.

“I am calling for an investigation on who approved this. This government is paying millions of euro and if they don’t want to do their job, can we offer it out to tender to another service provider?” he asked.

Minister Murnane O’Connor has advised that she will return to the Department of Health on the issue and will provide clarity for Deputy Gould in due course.

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