Briefing note on dr moloney

Questions RE Dr. Moloney retirement 1) What replacement cover has been put in place to succeed Dr. Moloney and for what period? (Operating hours / opening / closing times would very useful if possible) Dr. Kumar – operating hours between 10-1, and 3-5 Mon, Tues, Friday; and 10 – 1 only on Thursday.

KDOC will continue to offer an out of hours GP service.

2) What level of interest has there been in application to take over the GMS list for that health centre?

Applicants have applied and applications are being checked for eligibility, it is planned to hold interviews by mid September.

3) Will a replacement locum also manage the private patients who have up to now seen Dr. Moloney?

Yes 4) Will the successful applicant for the GMS list also takeover care of the private patients at the practice?

Yes 5) Will patient files transfer from Dr. Moloney to the HSE or will they remain with the practice? Should individuals request copies of their own records?

Patient records will remain in the practice whilst the locum is providing cover. Following appointment of a permanent GP the records will transfer to the new GP and the panel remains frozen for three months.

Patients will be advised of the appointment of the new GP and that the HSE will look after the transfer of their records (at this point if a patient does not wish for their records to be transferred to another GP they can request this from the HSE). There is no need for individuals to request copies of their own records.

6) How long is it expected to take to identity a replacement GP? The position has been advertised, Applications received and following successful selection of a suitable candidate through the interview process it is hoped that the new GP will be in post within 10-12 weeks.

7) Will a replacement GP be able to continue operating from the same physical building that the health centre is currently in?

Yes 8) Will a replacement GP be eligible for the Rural Practitioners Allowance (I understand Dr. Moloney was in receipt of this) New criteria recently applied to Rural Practice Allowances – GPs who were already in receipt of RPA retained that allowance. However, the new criteria would apply to new appointments.

9) What will happen if a replacement for Dr. Moloney has not been found after 3 months? Will a locum continue indefinitely?

We will endeavour to continue with a locum until a permanent replacement is found.

10) Can the HSE commit to continuity of cover at the Johnstownbridge Health Centre for the foreseeable future?

The HSE will continue to offer the panel, and the use of the centre, but it depends on GP’s making themselves available