Concern over out-of-hours GP services in Tipp

"Much has been written about people calling for an Ambulance when circumstances do not require one. The public is urged to contact their GP or Out-of-Hours Service for medical treatment. They are urged to only call an ambulance in a ‘true emergency," said Deputy Michael Lowry in the Dáil on Wednesday.

"In an ideal world, most would willingly do this. However, many out-of-hours services do not provide the access that many people require. In the Northern half of Tipperary, when GP's daily surgeries close. Thurles and Roscrea are covered by a mobile doctor based in Thurles. Patients are seen by appointment at the respective centres in both towns until 11pm.

"From that time until GP’s re-open the next morning, the overnight Nenagh Centre takes over. This is approximately 20 miles from both Thurles and Roscrea. Not everyone is in a position to drive 20 miles in the middle of the night with a child, adult or elderly person who may require medical attention. In many cases, it is not wise or safe to do so. In other cases, people do not have transport.

"Their only access to medical care is to call an ambulance and, in times of illness, people will do whatever they can to get help. They cannot be faulted for taking the only choice open to them.

"I have highlighted the escalating crisis with Out-of-Hours medical care in Tipperary many times. Neglect of these vital services has been steadily allowed to reach this crisis point. It didn’t happen overnight. To fail to take immediate action to address this critical issue risks the health and lives of every person in Tipperary. This cannot and should not be tolerated," he said.