Brenner Clinic, Williamstown

Max Powers · 08-04-2014 8:00pm

so to recap,
Dr Breen is gone travelling, we don't know if he will be back or not.
Dr Hogan is gone to new practice by Farran Park for 3 months?
Looks like it is remaining open but probably new owners.

correct?

Gael23 · 08-04-2014 8:18pm

Max Powers wrote: »

so to recap,
Dr Breen is gone travelling, we don't know if he will be back or not.
Dr Hogan is gone to new practice by Farran Park for 3 months?
Looks like it is remaining open but probably new owners.

correct?

Nearly.
Dr Hogan is gone to the new practice permanently.
Medical Card holders are being transferred to that practice for 3 months beginning Good Friday

April1 · 08-04-2014 9:11pm

Do you know if every GP has to take medical card patients? Or can they choose not to?

Gael23 · 08-04-2014 9:14pm

April1 wrote: »

Do you know if every GP has to take medical card patients? Or can they choose not to?

No they don't have to take you. I have already been in touch with Rowe Creavin and they wont take me

wmpdd3 · 09-04-2014 12:23am

The medical center in broadstreet is taking new patients, a girl from work moved there a few weeks ago.

Dr Ryan, Dr Mc Brinn and Dr Mooney are three of the best doctors I have ever met. ( just haven't experienced the other ones)

http://www.waterfordmedicalcentre.com/about/

But you often its difficult to get an appointment the same day, you may have to wait till following morning or go in and wait for a cancellation.

Also the location is a major pain especially for limited mobility or 2 babies!

Gael23 · 09-04-2014 8:04am

I went there years back when Mark rowe was there so a really long time ago. I have heard Sean mc brin is good but i'd say he's hard to get and I have a preference for a male doctor and he is the only one.

wendydoll · 09-04-2014 11:51am

Think Dr. Brenner spoke about what's going on in the Brenner clinic with Billy on Deise a.m just now.

Just caught her saying something like "its unfortunate for all the staff in involved after 7 years"...literally only hear a few seconds of it while I was changing stations. Probably be up on the podcast later/tomorrow so patients of the Brenner Clinic can hear it in full if they missed it.

Potential-Monke · 09-04-2014 12:11pm

There are letters being sent to all patients. The Brenner Clinic is closing on April 17th. Letter is below. Dr. Breen is gone to South Africa and Dr. Hogan is now working in Dr. Grays surgery. The foreign doctor ye are on about is Dr. Zola, and i've seen him twice in the last week and he's very good, seems to really care about the health of his patients. I had a quick conversation with him while he was waiting for his next patient, and i told him to go grab a cuppa. He said "I can do that anytime, right now i want to look after my patients". Also, he is taking over the Clinic and will be staying there, presumably under a different name (he said this directly to me, so i said it to the receptionist if i could transfer my files to him, but i don't think they have him set up yet).

Letter:

"It is with regret that i am writing to inform you that The Brenner Clinic will close on Thursday April 17th. Following 7 years of service to the community in Waterford I have had to take this action due to the lack of available GPs nationwide and an inability to recruit sufficient numbers of doctors to service the needs of the practice's patients.

All GMA (Medical Card) patient's files will be transferred to Dr. Deborah Gray's practice on the Williamstown Road on Thursday April 17th, where she will look after your medical requirements. All details including your prescription records will be transferred, and Dr. Gray will be responsible for all your medical care from Friday April 18th. Dr. Gray is contactable on 051-325130. Please note that as all GP clinics are closed on Good Friday April 18th through Easter Monday, Caredoc will be providing cover for patients. Caredoc can be contacted on 1850-334999 for emergency care.

For non GMS or private patients, we can arrange transfer of files and clinical information to a GP of your choice. All you have to do is let us know by letter or email where you want your files transferred and we will complete that process as soon as possible. Unfortunately we cannot accept transfer requests over the phone due to data protection laws, but you can call in to us in the clinic prior to April 17th where you can sign a simple form to arrange transfer to a GP of your choice.

If you do not request your notes they will be held by us for eight years before being destroyed under data protection procedures.

I would like to thank you for your relationship with The Brenner Clinic and it is with sadness that i have had to make the decision not to continue to offer GP services. I wish you all the best in the future. I would also like to thank the staff of The Brenner Clinic for the excellent care they have provided over the last 7 years.

Dr. Eithne Brenner"

Gael23 · 09-04-2014 12:24pm

I'm sorry but I don't believe a word of that.
The surgery was operating just fine with 2 great doctors, in particular Dr [name removed] who really helped me in the last while and was there for me whenever I needed him.
Where has he gone does anyone know?

Baby4 · 09-04-2014 1:25pm

This post has been deleted.

April1 · 09-04-2014 3:26pm

Has anyone received the letter yet?
I tried to go to the WLR website to listen back to the interview this morning, but can't find it. Is there anyone to find it?

DonFred · 09-04-2014 5:24pm

Didnt receive anything in the post yet!! Feck this ****e having to look for another GP now.

Gael23 · 09-04-2014 5:32pm

Theres steam rising off me.
I had a pay to go to a doctor in College today. He wants me to see my own GP fairly ASAP and get referred to a specialist. Im aware my medical card isnt switching until Good Friday but this gets better. Sean Hogan is not going to be working there until the Tuesday after Easter.

Next saga. I have found another GP willing to take me. I filled out the nessecary forms to transfer and it turns out that Eithne Brenners GMS list is locked down until July 3rd so we are FORCED to go to this new surgery until then.
My Blood is sizzling through me, someone will be getting a pice of my mind tomorrow morning.

the roo · 09-04-2014 9:38pm

Had to pay to see a doctor what a novelty . . .

the roo · 09-04-2014 9:39pm

Had to pay to see a doctor what a novelty . . .

Gael23 · 09-04-2014 9:40pm

the roo wrote: »

Had to pay to see a doctor what a novelty . . .

Would have had to anyway despite this mess seen as it wasnt my regular GP

wellboytoo · 09-04-2014 9:40pm

the roo wrote: »

Had to pay to see a doctor what a novelty . . .

Welcome to the real world.

April1 · 09-04-2014 10:13pm

Did you get the letter from the HSE? It said you can contact them with in 14 day of getting the letter, if you have an objection.

ryanf1 wrote: »

Theres steam rising off me.
I had a pay to go to a doctor in College today. He wants me to see my own GP fairly ASAP and get referred to a specialist. Im aware my medical card isnt switching until Good Friday but this gets better. Sean Hogan is not going to be working there until the Tuesday after Easter.

Next saga. I have found another GP willing to take me. I filled out the nessecary forms to transfer and it turns out that Eithne Brenners GMS list is locked down until July 3rd so we are FORCED to go to this new surgery until then.
My Blood is sizzling through me, someone will be getting a pice of my mind tomorrow morning.

Gael23 · 09-04-2014 10:38pm

April1 wrote: »

Did you get the letter from the HSE? It said you can contact them with in 14 day of getting the letter, if you have an objection.

They will be getting a piece of my mind in the morning, I can tell you that. I need to see a doctor to be referred to a consultant but that cant happen without a GP can it?

April1 · 09-04-2014 11:12pm

Could you go back to the Brenner Clinic before they close and get them to refer you on to a consultant?

Gael23 · 09-04-2014 11:41pm

April1 wrote: »

Could you go back to the Brenner Clinic before they close and get them to refer you on to a consultant?

Not with all my history. And to be honest I never want to see the inside of the place again.

Gael23 · 10-04-2014 1:28pm

April you were right, I have 14 days to object which I have done.
Appointment with new GP on Monday and hopefully I can put the whole mess behind me.

April1 · 10-04-2014 9:06pm

Have you got the letter from Dr . Brenner yet?

the roo · 10-04-2014 9:28pm

wellboytoo wrote: »

Welcome to the real world.

That was my point as well just in case it was missed.

Gael23 · 10-04-2014 9:31pm

April1 wrote: »

Have you got the letter from Dr . Brenner yet?

No but I found a GP willing to take me so I can wash my hands of it all.
Yet another twist today. Since the list will not transfer until next week, you have to pay to see deborah grey until then.
Now I know the truth, all it has done is heighten my respect for Dr [name removed]. I have a good idea why he left in the manner he did and it shows alot of integrity in him as a person and as a professional . I still believe he didnt tell me, or other patients, things that he knew but nevertheless I would probably do the same,

Gael23 · 12-04-2014 5:20pm

Ok I have some political connections and I have spoken to a TD that I know fairly well. He wants me to send him.that letter and he will.take it up with the PCRS.

April1 · 14-04-2014 8:52pm

Did you get the letter from Dr Brenner? I'm still waiting?

Gael23 · 15-04-2014 11:28am

No and wont be holding my breath.
Went in there yesterday to take out my files and felt myself getting angry all over again!

wendydoll · 15-04-2014 11:31am

I got a letter yesterday morning even though I'm not and never have been a patient of the Brenner clinic.

I had been seen by her Faceworks clinic but I thought it silly to send me a letter about the whole goings on out there and telling me how to switch GP's.

Gael23 · 15-04-2014 11:39am

wendydoll wrote: »

I got a letter yesterday morning even though I'm not and never have been a patient of the Brenner clinic.

I had been seen by her Faceworks clinic but I thought it silly to send me a letter about the whole goings on out there and telling me how to switch GP's.

Was that letter to the same effect as the one posted here a while back?
I thought that this only affected Medical Card Patients but now I don't know what to believe. I'm finished with the place now anyway

wendydoll · 15-04-2014 11:45am

Yeah it was, saying the practice is closing on Good Friday because she can't get GP blah blah blah. that GMS patients will be transfered to Dr. Gray and private patients can move to whom ever they want.

Thought it a bit unprofessional to send me a letter as I was seen at the Faceworks clinic which should be treated as a completely separate business. I had thought about switching to her practice months ago, glad I didn't.

Is her faceworks clinic closing too?

Gael23 · 15-04-2014 11:58am

wendydoll wrote: »

Yeah it was, saying the practice is closing on Good Friday because she can't get GP blah blah blah. that GMS patients will be transfered to Dr. Gray and private patients can move to whom ever they want.

Thought it a bit unprofessional to send me a letter as I was seen at the Faceworks clinic which should be treated as a completely separate business. I had thought about switching to her practice months ago, glad I didn't.

Is her faceworks clinic closing too?

I don't believe she can't get doctors. I switched there 4 years ago and even though [name removed] was probably the best doctor I ever saw, I can't stop thinking if I didn't I wouldn't be in this mess.
I'm a GMS patient too so things are not so easy.

April1 · 15-04-2014 3:51pm

I had to call them today and they asked if I got the letter. When I said I didnt. I told it would be out soon. Not much notice today is Tuesday and they close on Thursday.

kuang1 · 15-04-2014 4:01pm

Anyone know what's happening with dave hackett, the acupuncturist in the brenner clinic? Was hoping to go to see him soon.

Gael23 · 15-04-2014 4:07pm

kuang1 wrote: »

Anyone know what's happening with dave hackett, the acupuncturist in the brenner clinic? Was hoping to go to see him soon.

No idea but I imagine he'll just find a new place.
You posted a while back that this was not the Doctors fault and now I know the truth it absolutely wasn't.
I just really wish [name removed] told me he was leaving. He didn't have to say anything about the clinic closing but i suppose I just wish I left things differently with him and tied off some loose ends in a way that now I might never get the chance to do.

deisemum · 15-04-2014 4:55pm

Dave Hackett has an advert in the paper stating it's business as usual for him.

Gael23 · 16-04-2014 2:06pm

It's closing in 2 weeks time so people should be requesting their files if they haven't already.

April1 · 16-04-2014 9:11pm

Did you see the piece in the paper about the Brenner Clinic closing down?

Gael23 · 16-04-2014 9:55pm

April1 wrote: »

Did you see the piece in the paper about the Brenner Clinic closing down?

No but I got it out of one of the secrectaries. What paper is it on?

April1 · 17-04-2014 12:00am

Waterford News and Star.

Gael23 · 17-04-2014 10:59am

Might try and get that.
My sister (Private Patient) got the letter this morning. Its similar to the one GMS patients got but its from Eithne Brenner herself.

April1 · 17-04-2014 3:41pm

I also got a letter this morning. Its a bit later. What a shock it must have been for the patients who only found out today. Terrible.

Gael23 · 17-04-2014 5:45pm

April1 wrote: »

I also got a letter this morning. Its a bit later. What a shock it must have been for the patients who only found out today. Terrible.

I think everyone knew the past 2 weeks or so. Apparently there was a possibility of a buyer for the private practice but that's now not happening. Also I think we are not allowed change doctor for a good few months.

April1 · 17-04-2014 7:52pm

Did you get the HSE letter a few weeks ago? That said you can not change for 3 months.

April1 · 17-04-2014 7:55pm

Dr Brenner should have sent her own letter out to all patients also. Sending them out the day before they close is ridiculous. Its unfair on the patients.

Gael23 · 17-04-2014 8:08pm

April1 wrote: »

Did you get the HSE letter a few weeks ago? That said you can not change for 3 months.

April1 wrote: »

Dr Brenner should have sent her own letter out to all patients also. Sending them out the day before they close is ridiculous. Its unfair on the patients.

Yes I got that one. The whole thing is one huge mess. I should have smelled a rat when [name removed] left and walked away then.
Those letters today were unbelievable, but then someone said to me that they were so busy on the phones and with people calling in that maybe they just didnt send them.
I am going to try and claim extenuating circumstances and get to change. I have already been to a different doctor anyway and got the referral I needed so if I have to stay there it wont be the end of the world. I hope that when I explain that I got my card due to my medical condition they will let me ove on and start again but I have a feeling not.

April1 · 17-04-2014 9:24pm

I wonder what happened with Dr Breen. What do you think?

Gael23 · 17-04-2014 9:27pm

Don't want to speculate on here really but he either decided to move on for his own reasons or when he found out the place was closing he just decided to go straight away, which I think is more likely.
Might never know that for certain but either way, I'm going to really miss him.

Gael23 · 19-04-2014 10:37am

I just looked at the letter again.
Are we allowed to change GP in 3 months from now or how does it work?

April1 · 19-04-2014 5:00pm

Yes I think 3 months from now. The letter I got on Thursday was addressed my little boy!

Brenner Clinic, Williamstown

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