Government urged to restore vital GP service to Churchill

The Health Minister has been urged to intervene with grave concerns expressed over the lack of a regular GP in Churchill.

For the last 18 months, the people of the area have not had regular GP visits and elderly residents have been severely impacted.

Until the regular service ceased, people in the area were able to avail of a GP service three days a week.

“This is simply not good enough,” Glenswilly-based Fianna Fail Councillor Donal 'Mandy' Kelly said.

“Churchill and surrounding areas can't lose this service. There are people in these areas who find it difficult to travel to the nearest GP, which is now in Letterkenny, never mind trying to secure an appointment.”

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Councillor Kelly pointed out that Churchill has already lost its Post Office and Garda Station – and has called on the Government to ensure that the GP service does not follow.

He said: “It is vital that Churchill does not lose its GP service for good.

“Elderly people are finding it very difficult and they have told me that when they ring the Medical Centre in Letterkenny they find it difficult to get receptionists to answer the phone.

“This is a major concern for the people in the area of Churchill and surrounding areas as there was always a GP that visited the center three times a week.

“Since covid I'm told this service has stopped completely.”

Councillor Kelly had written to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and also to the Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People, Mary Butler.

Councillor Kelly has also requested his party colleague in Donegal, Minister Charlie McConalogue, to apply pressure on government officials.

He said: “This is not good enough and I won't stand back and let this vital service be lost with putting up a fight.”