Writes Ciaran Dineen
An Tánasite, Simon Coveney TD was on-hand to unveil a plaque on Friday last at the official opening of the Carrigaline Primary Care Centre. Also in attendance were other public representatives; Michael McGrath TD, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, Cllr Seamus McGrath and Cllr Michael ‘Frick’ Murphy.
The 35,000sq feet building is visited by hundreds of people every day and about 3,000 appointments now take place there each week.Axis Group developed the three-story building and the design was planned in conjunction with the HSE. The Bridge Medical Practice has also re-located to the building as well as a pharmacy, Care Plus.
Carrigaline Primary Care Centre is part of a network of such centres across Cork and Kerry where Cork Kerry Community Healthcare staff provide quality services every day, working to help the population optimise their health and wellbeing. Centres of this kind allow for integration between HSE and GP’s and for these services to be delivered in the community and close to people’s homes.
There are now eight Primary Care Centres in Cork and Kerry, with 17 more under development. Another three centres are expected to be completed this year.There are 125 healthcare professionals working from the building, serving a population of 32,000 people in the area.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney chats with Elaine O’Sullivan Public health nurse, Jennifer Morris and 4 month old Grace Morris from Carragaline .
The centre has a dedicated wound clinic, as well as purpose designed rooms; for example Dental, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy departments. Until the centre opened, people in the Carrigaline area had to travel to Cork City to access these and other services. Three midwife-led clinics are run weekly from the centre as an outreach service from CUMH, reducing the need for parents-to-be to attend outpatients’ departments in the city.
There is however more to be done as people living in areas like Passage West, who no longer have their own health centre, have no connecting bus link to Carrigaline, should they need to go for an appointment. As a result those who live in the Harbour area and rely on public transport must first get the 223 bus to Douglas and then transfer to the 220 to go to Carrigaline.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney said:
“I am delighted to officially open this facility which is a real asset for the people of Carrigaline and the surrounding areas. Sláintecare sets out a vision of a health service where care is provided in the right place, at the right time, by the right person. Carrigaline Primary Care Centre brings together local health professionals in one location and allows them to provide the best care possible, in a modern centre that is easily accessible. The centre will facilitate the right people to work together in the best interests of the local population, and I pay tribute to all those in the health service and the private sector involved in planning and delivering this project.”
Ger Reaney, Chief Officer of Cork Kerry Community Healthcare thanked all those involved in bringing the plans for a modern primary care centre for Carrigaline to fruition.
Teresa O’Donovan,Head of Primary Care with Cork Kerry Community Healthcare said:“We are delighted to have provided a modern facility for the population of this area, and we are proud of the finished product. Having a presence in Carrigaline Primary Care Centre means that we can provide services closer to people’s homes. Many people who previously had to travel to Cork city to access services can now avail of them in their own community.”
Thanks were also given to all of the wonderful staff from the public side of the care centre, as well as to private GP’s. A special mention was given to the well-loved general operative, Eddie Sullivanof Axis Group, who warmly welcomes the public to the centre, as well as keeping all staff in good spirits throughout the working week.
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GP John Murphy Bridge Medical Practice ,Eileen Cronin Primary Health Care Cork Kerry HSE, Tánaiste Simon Coveney and Brian Frahill Axis Group.
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