Rural Mayo GP surgery officially re-opened today

Cars lined the street of Lahardane village beneath a snow-capped Nephin on Friday morning to officially welcome Dr. Amjed Ahmed to the community.

Close to a hundred people attended the surgery to meet the new doctor amidst music, fanfare and refreshments.

The surgery is fully operational and staff want to stress the ease in accessing services in Lahardane once again.

“All you need is a simple form that you can receive in the surgery, fill it out and the secretary will handle the rest,” Gerry Loftus leader of the Rural Ireland Organisation and one of the chief campaigners of the uniquely successful movement said.

A warm welcome was extended by local auctioneer Gerry Rowland who played the accordion for those in attendance and community members served up tea, cakes and scones for people relieved to see a doctor in place for the long-haul.

"We’ve been in limbo for 6 years with locums, and doctors coming and going but Dr. Amjed is a young man, in love with the community and delighted to be here,” Loftus continued.

Residing in Castlebar with his wife and kids, Dr. Amjed, the new Lahardane GP has worked in the locality before, having had spells in Crossmolina, Ballina and in Mayo University Hospital.

“It’s been a huge boost to the community,” Gerry Loftus said.

"I want to thank the people who stood with us for months in the Winter when we refused to the close doors, organised meetings and protested each morning," he concluded.