SouthDoc Blackpool reopening
Deputy Gould presented a petition for SouthDoc in Blackpool to reopen and asked the Taoiseach to intervene. The Taoiseach said the HSE was working on the matter, but reopening required personnel and back-up capacity as well as simply opening the doors.
I move to the list of names that I held over since yesterday, starting with Deputy Gould. I ask Members for their co-operation.
Comment on this
Yesterday, I sent the Taoiseach a petition with more than 1,150 names calling for the reopening of SouthDoc in Blackpool. He said last week that he would look into its closure. The Minister for Health has confirmed that the HSE has asked for a timeline for the service to reopen but has not received it. Will the Taoiseach intervene at this stage and ask SouthDoc to reopen? The people of the north side of Cork city need this facility, especially before Christmas. It is a vital service.
Comment on this
I am sure the Deputy will welcome the additional beds in the orthopaedic service, a very significant investment in the north side of Cork by the Government and it will make a very significant difference there. As I said to the Deputy last week, I introduced SouthDoc and it is a vital service. It is not just about opening the doors, as the Deputy knows. It involves personnel and ensuring there is back-up in capacity. The HSE is working on that and I will engage with it again to see where we are in this regard.