Controversial Craughwell-Roscommon Westdoc trial service suspended

January 29th, 4:26pm January 29th, 4:26pm

Galway Bay FM News Desk

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Westdoc has suspended the trial which saw Craughwell and adjoining areas included in the Roscommon Westdoc catchment area.

The trial saw Craughwell residents and Roscommon residents effectively ‘share’ an out-of-hours GP – despite a distance of over 70km.

The trial drew criticism after it was revealed that those in the Craughwell area in need of a doctor between midnight and 8am must wait at least 70 minutes for a GP to travel from Roscommon.

In a statement to Galway Bay FM News, Westdoc says the controversial trial, which was in operation between Monday and Wednesday, has now been suspended.

However, it says that the three month trial was very successful – and no complaints were received from patients of the service.

It also says that the trial period was based on call out statistics built up over a number of years – and patient safety was always the most important guiding factor.

Westdoc says it will continue to examine options to improve out of hours cover for GP’s based in Craughwell before making a final decision on the future of the service.