Residents in Connemara are up in arms this week over the decision to roll out the controversial out-of-hours GP scheme, Westdoc, to the area in July.

The new system will mean that for ten weekends over the next year, there will only be one doctor on duty between the areas of Lettermullen and Carna.

Concerns had previously been raised that the lack of a second doctor on duty would compromise patient safety in the Connemara area.

However, the HSE have pushed ahead with the introduction of the rural support scheme, which will come into effect in July. Speaking to the Galway Independent, local councillor Seosamh O Chuaig expressed his fears that this service will be the 'first foot in the door' for a full-time Westdoc service in the area.

"The version being introduced at the moment is not the full monty but there are concerns that it could be extended. The problems are very simple. It takes about an hour and a half to go from one end of the area that this single doctor is supposed to be covering to the other, which is definitely compromising patient safety.

"This is a need for this service, as the doctors have said they can't keep going the way they are now and have to have some weekends off. But all the local people want is for a second doctor to be put on duty during these weekends. We have verified that it is only going to cost €1,800 for an extra doctor, which adds up to €18,000 a year. This is a small price to pay for people's safety. We are to hold a meeting with the HSE and also the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon Ó Cuív in the coming weeks and I would have great hope that we can come to a resolution that suits everybody."

City Councillor Catherine Connolly, who is a member of the Health Forum, has also backed the resident's appeals for a second doctor, saying anger in the area is "palpable".

"I have attended and chaired a number of public meetings on this subject and they have been literally packed. The anger and concern in the area is very obvious and I would fully support them. The doctors cannot keep going the way they are at the moment and have decided to pay for a relief doctor for these ten weekends.

"Westdoc are in turn providing an ambulance and driver. However, this is a huge and extremely rural area and there is a need for a second doctor. I have contacted the HSE in relation to having another meeting to discuss the viability of getting a second doctor. €18,000 is a drop in the ocean in the grand scheme of things and I would be very disappointed if I don't hear back from them on this."

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