RETIRING from the GMS…but not from medicine.
That’s prominent-and often controversial-Limerick GP, Richard O’Flaherty, who, from his own experiences in dealing with troubled teenagers, warns that the drugs problem is in danger of spinning out of control. The Galway-born doctor has reached the age limit of 70 years to allow him continue in the GMS scheme.
However, he has a one month extension, until his replacement takes over.
Dr O’Flaherty made national headlines earlier this year after he revealed to the Limerick Post that he was calling for cervical cancer vaccine to be made available free of charge to 10-16 year-old girls.
A team of doctors in Dublin responded to his call and it became a national issue.
Referring to his local practise, he said: “Nothing will change other than I will not be available to personally look after my 2,000 GMS patients.
“There is another doctor replacing me at my Cecil Street surgery, and my patients will transfer to him. The existing staff will remain and the same ethos will continue. I will be available to private patients”.
Dr O’Flaherty, who campaigned vigorously on a number of issues for the less privileged, especially in the Southill and Moyross areas, says that while Limerick has overseen many changes since he first arrived here 40 years ago, there is still a lot which needs to be done.
“Just spend a day in my surgery and you will see the heartache that is out there, particularly in relation to drugs, alcohol and gambling. These are huge problems, and need to be addressed. Then there is the scourge of unemployment.
“Instead of sending young first offenders to prison, the government should provide detention centres where they can continue in education”.
He concluded: “The vast majority of my 2,000 GMS clients are decent and honourable people. I learned a lot from them, and hope that they learned from me”.
