Recruitment process has begun for new Westport GP

Following news that broke on Tuesday that Dr Ita Mullaghy’s practice in Westport was due to close, displacing hundreds of patients, Deputy Keira Keogh has moved to reassure those affected that a recruitment process for a new GP has begun.

Last week, a number of patients received a text message advising them of the situation and asking them to collect their medical records.

Deputy Keogh thanked constituents who contacted her after they were notified that Dr Mullaghy would cease acting as their GP from November 30, 2026, as the landlord was selling the premises.

She said she understood the concern the news had caused, particularly for older patients and those who had been with the same GP for many years.

The HSE confirmed to Deputy Keogh that it has advertised the position and that interviews are scheduled for this month. If a candidate is successful, it is hoped they will take up the position on December 1st to ensure continuity of care for Dr Mullaghy’s Medical Card patients.

Deputy Keogh said that several applicants have already identified potential premises on their application forms, which is encouraging, and revealed she has engaged with local landlords to explore options for suitable accommodation for a successful candidate.

“The immediate priority is getting the recruitment process completed and ensuring the successful candidate is in a position to begin on 1 December,” she said.

“Premises are obviously an important part of that. I have been in contact with local landlords who may have suitable accommodation available and have passed on their details so these options can be explored with the successful GP.” 

The Westport-based TD added that she was disappointed by the manner in which many patients were informed of the change.

“Many patients received a text message advising them of the situation and telling them to collect their medical records using a USB stick. For many people, particularly older patients, receiving a message like that without having the wider information about what happens next was understandably alarming,” she said.

“That is why it is important that patients now receive clear, factual information about the recruitment process and the work taking place to ensure continuity of care.” 

Deputy Keogh strongly criticised comments made in the Dáil by Aontú TD Paul Lawless, who suggested that the Government should “make room” for the existing GP in Westport Primary Care Centre.

She added that the “political rhetoric” does not benefit affected patients and said she hoped the detailed update from the HSE would provide reassurance about what will happen at the end of November.

“I think it is deeply unhelpful to engage in scaremongering when people are already genuinely worried about access to their GP.” “Suggesting that the Government or HSE can simply put a GP into the Primary Care Centre completely ignores the process that was followed. GPs were invited to apply for accommodation in the centre through that process. That process concluded, and the available accommodation in the centre is now fully allocated,” she explained.

“It is simply not credible to suggest that a room can now be produced at the stroke of a pen.” 

“More importantly, that political rhetoric offers no solution to the patients who contacted me. The practical solution is to get a replacement GP recruited, ensure that GP has appropriate premises and supports, and have them ready to take over on 1 December. That is exactly what I have been working with the HSE and Minister to achieve.” 

“There is a recruitment process under way, interviews are taking place in October, potential premises are already being considered, and the HSE’s stated aim is for the successful candidate to commence on 1 December,” she said.

“I know that changing GP can itself be unsettling, particularly for patients who have built up a relationship with their doctor over many years. However, the key issue is continuity of care, and everything must now be focused on achieving a seamless transition.” 

Deputy Keogh has also asked that the incoming GP be encouraged to avail of Practice Grant Support, including support towards employing a practice nurse.

“There was no practice nurse in the existing practice. I believe every available support should be explored to allow the incoming GP to establish a sustainable practice and maximise the number of patients who can be cared for locally.” 

The Fine Gael TD said she would continue to work with the Minister for Health, the HSE, the existing practice, and local property owners to keep constituents up to date on the process.