Diagnostic centre planned for new primary care facility
By Mary Dennehy
THE development of a diagnostic centre at the new primary care centre in Tallaght Cross West is expected to go ahead this year, The Echo has learned.
At a recent Regional Health Forum meeting it was confirmed that additional development in 2018 will include a primary care diagnostic centre at the Tallaght Cross facility, which will provide local access to diagnostic services such as x-rays and ultrasounds.
Opening in December 2016, the Academic Primary Care Centre (APCC) in Tallaght Cross West currently has a team that comprises of public health nursing services, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work, primary care paediatric occupational therapy and paediatric physiotherapy.
There is also psychology, dietetics, an integrated team for older persons and respiratory care, regional audiology service and GP practices.
Replying to a motion lodged by Tallaght Central councillor Charlie O’Connor, which sought details on the progress of primary care facilities in the Tallaght area, the HSE said: “Additional developments in 2018 will include a primary care diagnostic centre.
“The HSE greatly welcomes this new APCC initiative to integrate with Trinity Public Health to further develop services to the people of West Tallaght.”
The response also confirmed that the ‘practical completion’ of the Kilnamanagh/Tymon Primary Care Centre on the Airton Road finished this month, with work to kit out the building commencing.
It is expected that the building will be fully occupied and functional in the second quarter of 2018.
The HSE said: “The Kilnamanagh/Tymon Primary Care Centre will be one of the largest in Ireland and will accommodate staff who are presently located across different sites.
“The building will accommodate primary care services for adults and children including network Paediatric Primary Care Services, Psychology, Alcohol & Addiction Services, Youth Drug and Alcohol Service (YODA), Alba Counselling Services, and Mental Health Services including EVE.”
Speaking with The Echo, councillor Charlie O’ Connor (Fianna Fail) said: “The introduction of these primary care services are very good news for the area.
“They will provide services within the community, which people can access rather than having to go to A&E or hospital outpatients.
“This is good for the community and good for the hospital, as it will take some pressure off A&E.”
TAGS Tallaght
