‘Currently no plans’ for HSE primary care centre
By Maurice Garvey
PLANS for a new HSE primary care centre in Drimnagh were not completed in the required timeframe for a public private partnership.
Proposals for the development on Curlew Road were first reported in The Echo in 2013, after the HSE included the Drimnagh location on a final nationwide list of 16 primary care centres.
However, the HSE now say there is “currently no plan” for the development.
Fianna Fáil Senator Catherine Ardagh expressed “frustration” at the cancellation of the project.
“Six years ago, the then Government committed to deliver primary care services to alleviate blockages in the acute health system,” said Senator Ardagh.
“These services, considered to be gold standard, would help ensure that those who do not need to be in acute care are removed from a hospital setting.
“In information received by Fianna Fáil in 2015, the Department confirmed that planning for the centre was not completed in the required time frame for PPP. Drimnagh deserves the highest quality public services as much as any other area in the country.”
Senator Ardagh is calling on Minister for Health, Simon Harris, to come before the Seanad to explain why the project was scrapped.
A spokesperson for the HSE said: “In correspondence from the HSE to the Drimnagh Residents Association, it was noted that there is currently no plan for the development of a primary care centre at Curlew Road.
“The site at Curlew Road, although not currently part of a funded plan for development, remains a significant asset to the HSE which will be developed in the future to meet local community needs.
“The HSE will conduct a feasibility study to include local population needs in relation to primary care and services for older persons in the area, so that an application for capital approval for an appropriate development can be made at the next opportunity.”
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