Boost as primary care centre opens

THE Northside received a major boost last week when Minister for Health Simon Harris officially opened the new €20 million Coolock Primary Care Centre. 

The new facility, one of 14 centres being delivered through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mechanism, is located on Cromcastle Road on the existing health centre site.

The centre will incorporate four GP practices and provide a broad range of health services to over 20,000 people in the local community and the wider Dublin 17 and Dublin 5 areas.

It will include Dental Services, Mental Health Services, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.

The HSE has also selected the new primary care centre to provide specialist Network Children’s service to the Dublin 17 and Dublin 5 areas. 

The services to be provided include Early Intervention Team, Dental Services (five suites) and a hub for Primary Care Children’s Services for the area.

The Primary Care Centre will provide D-Doc service on a 24/7 basis to the wider areas of Dublin 17 and Dublin 5.

Speaking at the opening of the centre, Minister Harris said: “It is a pleasure to be in Coolock  to officially open the Primary Care Centre. 

“Primary Care is at the heart of what we do in the Health Service. Making the shift towards primary care in order to deliver better care close to home in communities across the country is paramount. 

“It remains a key priority for the Government, is one of the key features of Sláintecare and will be supported by the unprecedented capital funding for the Health service announced recently in the National Development Plan. 

“This new facility will provide a wonderful, modern day service to the local community.” 

Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, said the centre, with a core staff of 120 people, will provide excellent quality health care and treatments for people in their community. 

“Integrated primary care is the best way to ensure people stay healthy and stay out of hospital,” he said.

Mary Walshe, HSE chief officer for CHO Dublin North City and County, said: “This is a fantastic facility for local residents, offering a wide range of network services such as dental, children’s primary care services, early intervention services, mental health day hospital, adult speech and language services, dietetics, psychology, podiatry and primary care services including public health nursing, children’s speech and language therapy, adult occupational therapy, adult physiotherapy and primary care social work.

“We passionately believe in the potential of primary and community based health services to improve healthcare and ease pressure on our hospitals.” 

Will Bilbrough, Project Director for Prime Balfour Beatty, said:  “It’s great to see the official opening of Coolock Primary Care Centre. 

“This has been part of a groundbreaking project for Ireland but most importantly, one that will play a key role in meeting the needs of patients and their local communities, while  transforming primary care service delivery across the country.”