East Galway TD Sean Canney has called on the HSE to get on with the installation of the X-ray facility at the Tuam Primary Medical Centre as a matter of urgency.
The Independent TD said that he secured €700,000 for the facility in November 2017 through the then Minister for Health Simon Harris TD, but the x-ray service is still not in place.
He said that the HSE has been carrying out feasibility studies, appointed a design team and have prepared costing, but still no progress is being made in over four years.
The proposed diagnostic services is being developed in conjunction with Portiuncula Hospital and it is estimated that 200 x-rays weekly could be carried out resulting in 10,000 visits less to Galway.
“It is my understanding that the delay revolves around the type of contract which is in place and the protracted process involved in changing the structural layout of the building under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Contract,” said Deputy Canney.
“The Primary Care Centre model was designed to provided services locally and keep the hospitals free for acute and emergency services. The x-ray service is fundamental to achieving a successful model for Tuam and North Galway.”
