Ardara Health Centre

30/08/2024

It has been 1 week since my last day as a GP in Ardara and after spending a lovely week with 2 of my grandchildren I did not see the time passing

I would like to thank my fantastic team at the Ardara Health Centre, which has been with me through the years.
Nurses Carol and Breda. Dr Eleanor Cape. Secretaries Karen, Joyce and recently Amanda and in former times Rosemarie, Noreen and Kathleen.
It was also a pleasure to work closely with Lorraine and Gill PHN, Paul Mc Cann CPN, Liam, Palliative Care Nurse and Caroline Barrett from Social Prescribing

I truly believe that beyond my work as a GP, it’s the team spirit that kept us all going especially in difficult times.

Thanks also to the local chemist

I would like to thank you, my patients, for your good wishes, cards, flowers and presents
I was deeply touched by all your kindness

I congratulate Dr Charlie Mc Manus and wish him all the best for the future as GP in Ardara

Mireille

21/08/2024

Important announcement regarding GP service in Ardara

I attach below the body of an email sent by me to the HSE today, followed by their reply.

"Dear Sandra
Following numerous contacts on my side I still have no contact from the HSE about my replacement.
This is causing increasing anxiety to my patients and I can’t reassure them
Could you please inform me as to which number I should put on my answering machine at 6 pm tomorrow
As you know since 22 May 2024 I won’t be insured anymore so won’t be able to work as a doctor from 6 pm tomorrow
Thanking you
Mireille Sweeney "

Reply at 16.18 today

"Dear Dr. Sweeney,



Thank you for your email. I can confirm that contracts have been signed and that your panel will be transferring to the new GP from Friday. There will be a press release issued tomorrow morning. Apologies for the late notice but as you can imagine this is a confidential process and can take considerable time to complete.



With regard to contact details on the answering machine I am assuming that the cover from 6pm Thursday evening to 9am on Friday morning would be provided by Nowdoc and that the normal practice number would be in use thereafter.



I would like to take this opportunity to wish you well upon your retirement.



Kindest regards.



Norma





Norma Doyle,

Assistant Staff Officer,

Primary Care Development Unit,

JFK House,

JFK Parade,

Sligo."

06/08/2024

As you know I will be working my last day as GP in Ardara on 22.08.2024

I have been in touch with the HSE, but have yet to be informed:

If interviews have been held for the post of GP in Ardara;
and if so, is there a successful candidate?

In my contacts with the HSE I have always stressed that the premises at Ardara Health Centre
would be at the disposal of any successful candidate.

As the current GP, some form of communication from the HSE would be appreciated.
It would also be helpful to my staff if they had some idea whether they will be reemployed by any successful candidate.

30/05/2024

Important announcement

After 29 years as a GP in Ardara, it is with a heavy heart that I have handed my resignation to the HSE, my employer. For years I have highlighted to the HSE the looming manpower crisis that single handed rural GPs are facing, while also proposing practical solutions to these problems. Schemes introduced in recent years by the HSE aimed at improving patient care although highly successful have put huge additional demands on any single-handed GP practice. In the past 2 years at Ardara Health Centre the post of GP Assistant, GP Partner and my post as Principal GP has been offered to 11 individuals (nationally and internationally), all showing genuine interest in the practice but unwilling to accept the demands of a single-handed Rural GP practice. In the past 5 years there have been 2 occasions when I found I just could not continue without having a period away from work for my own well-being. On these occasions it was left to me to provide my own cover. I relied on agency Locum Doctors to run the practice. This is a short-term solution to the problem and was found unsustainable for the practice.
I have exhausted all possible avenues to ensure a successor in my position as GP in Ardara, this matter is now in the hands of the HSE.
Myself and my staff at Ardara Health Centre have no information on the procedure for appointing a new GP for Ardara.

I would like to thank my wonderful staff; nurses Carol and Breda, and secretaries Karen, Joyce and Amanda, for their enthusiasm, commitment, work ethic and friendship over the years. I want to thank the Public Health Nurse Lorraine and all the community care team for their wonderful work. It has been a particular pleasure to finish my career working with Dr Cape, an outstanding GP.
Thanks to my husband John for all his work behind the scenes.

Thank you also to Kelly’s pharmacy and to all the local GPs who have helped out at the practice over the years.

And most importantly I would like to thank you, my patients.

Dr Mireille Sweeney
22.05.2024

29/12/2023

Good morning. Unfortunately we are having issues with the phone lines again today, although they seem to be working intermittently. Alternatively you can get us on the clinic mobile at 0874174209 or call in to reception. We are working on rectifying the issue as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience.

22/12/2023

We are currently having an issue with our phone lines, possibly related to the stormy weather. We are open all day today as usual. Please phone the clinic mobile on 0874174209 or call to reception as we try to resolve the issue. Thank you for your understanding.

30/11/2023

Gentle reminder: we still have lots of flu vaccine and covid19 boosters in stock. Please phone reception @ 0749541134 if you wish to be put on the list for our next clinic.

https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/covid-19-vaccine-booster-dose/

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/flu/get-vaccine/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAgqGrBhDtARIsAM5s0_n5nVcs38pT1qjM89oUepwmfYjd6F4LK2tvFjEjG1hogXueM4pRtN4aAidyEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

The next seasonal COVID-19 booster doses will be offered in autumn.