Doctor on Call service facing into another winter in prefabs

As the North East Doctor on call service fears up for the busy Christmas season, the service is still working to secure an alternative location for its Navan clinic.
NEDoC operations manager, Arlene Fitzsimons said the current unit, prefab buildings in the grounds of Our Lady's Hospital (pictured right), is not fit for purpose.
"We are working with the HSE to source an alternative location for the unit," she said.
Ms Fitzsimons explained the long term plan is to provide accommodation in the new primary care centre, which is to be built in Navan in the next few years.
"There is a lot of work going on but the primary care centre remains a greenfield site and we cannot remain where we are much longer," she said.
Cllr Wayne Forde said he is very worried at conditions at the facility.
"I have inundated with calls from doctors complaining about the conditions in the Portacabin, which is used for treating very sick patients, both young and old."
He raised the issue at a meeting of the HSE Health forum last week.
"The doctors and patients have to contend with third world facilities.
The priority for the HSE at all times should be patient care and safety. I am calling on the HSE and NEDoC to fully engage and find a suitable location for the doctor on call service within the Navan area until the planned permanent location in the Primary Care Unit at Moatlands is completed," he said.  
NEDoC is a partnership involving General Practitioners in the region and the HSE to provide urgent out of hours GP care.