More than 400 protesters marched behind a coffin in Letterkenny yesterday to protest at what they believe is the downgrading of the local out-of-hours general practitioner service.
The NowDoc GP service operates from three centres across north and west Donegal in Letterkenny, Carndonagh and Derrybeg. As a trial, the HSE wants to close the Carndonagh and Derrybeg centres and put an extra doctor on call in Letterkenny.
Actors Niall Mac Eachmharcaigh and Hughie Beag Ó Duibheannaigh from TG4's drama Ros na Rún enacted the 'death' of the NowDoc health service at Letterkenny's Market Square. A crowd with placards marched down the main street to the NowDoc centre at Oldtown.
Among the public representatives present were TDs Dinny McGinley, Charlie McConalogue, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and Thomas Pringle .
Mr McGinley urged people not to rush to judgment.
“We’re in the middle of a trial period. We’ll have to see what comes of it,” he said.
Protester Eamon Greene (67) said: “I collapsed twice and I live 45 minutes from Letterkenny.
“If I had been waiting for a doctor from Letterkenny, I would have been dead.”
County councillor Gerry McMonagle warned the plans would have widespread implications.