A CALL went out from city councillors this week for the local authority to write to the HSE regarding the out of hours Limerick Doc service in Dooradoyle.
Fianna Fáil councillor Catherine Slattery wants to see the service upgraded, claiming it is not a satisfactory service at present for its users.
She told Monday’s Metropolitan District meeting that the service is overwhelmed.
“There is one GP and one receptionist on duty seven nights a week, covering a large area. This is not acceptable and unfortunately despite their efforts, they are run ragged. They just can’t cope,” Cllr Slattery commented.
“I was told of one person who rang them twice. The first time they got a callback and were told to present at University Hospital Limerick (UHL). They decided to wait and got a GP appointment the next day. The second time they had to call, they were not answered. They are not the only person to have this experience. I have heard it from friends, family, as have I too, had the same experience.”
Cllr Slattery said it was terrifying for people who feel cut off from services when they are sick.
“It is a person’s human right to access medical treatment. One GP and one receptionist is not suitable. They can’t cater for hundreds of people single-handedly.”
Labour Party councillor Conor Sheehan supported the motion and predicted that the “Government is sleepwalking into disaster”.
“Limerick Doc and ShannonDoc have to get the GPS they need. There’s a reason Limerick is 50 per cent worse than everywhere else. We need to get our fair share,” he declared.
Seconding Cllr Slattery’s motion, Sinn Féin councillor Sharon Benson called for the Government to act quickly.
“This has to be addressed urgently. Staff are doing their best but they are completely overwhelmed.”
