Although 40 doctors have pulled out of the Western Health Board's new emergency GP co-op in a disagreement about payment, 70 doctors from Galway city will be participating when it starts next month.
All doctors west of Spiddal in Connemara have dropped out of the Westdoc scheme, although GPs in the area have to work very heavy rotas and GMS posts in places like Roundstone and Rosmuc have been difficult to fill.
The Western Health Board and the participating GPs believed they were to be paid an hourly rate, but the Department of Health is only prepared to pay a consultancy fee for each item of service - the same method of payment as other co-ops.
Development officer with the health board's primary care department, Ms Catherine Duffy, said it was up to individual GPs to decide whether they wanted to join the co-op and there was certainly no pressure being put on them by the board.
The Westdoc service was due to start in October, but will not now start until December 2nd in Galway. It will operate from its hub at a new call and treatment facility at the Liosban Business Centre.
