18 facilities are due to be established across the country including one in Carrick on Suir – however the National Association of General Practitioners says we need to rethink the centres' function.
The body says instead of being new GP practices in a community – they should be used to carry out routine testing so that patients can gain quicker access a higher level of care.
CEO of the NAGP Chris Goodey, says the centres should be used in a more radical way than currently planned.
