The Medical Council says there’s no delay in this year’s annual retention process for doctors to renew their registration to continue practising in Ireland.
Doctors who wish to continue to work here must register annually with the Medical Council.
The body issued a statement to Radio Kerry News, after concerns were raised that a GP coming to work with SouthDoc was delayed entering the country.
The Medical Council says the system for renewing registration is to go live in approximately one week; all doctors that are currently registered will remain registered until at least 30th June or 1st July.
Fianna Fáil councillor Norma Moriarty says a GP from South Africa, who was coming to do a potential six-month roster with SouthDoc in South Kerry, was delayed from entering the country due to registration issues.
She says this doctor has been unable to register in advance with the Medical Council as the portal to do so isn’t open yet; this GP previously worked with SouthDoc 12-months ago.
Cllr Norma Moriarty says the system should be open months in advance to ensure there’s a smooth transition between GPs.
She fears there could now be gaps in the SouthDoc service in South Kerry:
