Doctor in Offaly retires after 40 years of dedicated service in general practice

A dedicated doctor in Offaly has retired after 40 years of service in general practice.

Dr Velma Harkins of Banagher Family Practice has officially retired after over four decades of dedicated service to general practice in Banagher.

Dr Harkins first arrived in Banagher in 1984 as an assistant in Dr Peadar Kenny’s practice. In 1990, she established her own practice at the Health Centre on Cuba Avenue, where she remained a steadfast advocate for rural general practice, diabetes care and GP training.

Throughout her career, Dr Harkins has made a profound impact both locally and nationally. She has represented general practitioners on numerous national committees, including the BreastCheck Steering Group and, more recently, the National Screening Advisory Committee.

A pioneer in diabetes care, Dr Harkins was instrumental in transforming the management of Type 2 diabetes in the Midlands. Recognising the need for structured care, she spearheaded the creation of the Midlands Structured Diabetes Care Programme, a model that has since shaped national policy. As the author of the first ICGP/HSE national guidelines for integrated diabetes care, she played a pivotal role in standardising diabetes management. Her expertise led to her appointment to the Expert Advisory Group on Diabetes in 2009, and she went on to serve as National GP Lead for Diabetes from 2010 to 2014. In recognition of her outstanding vision and leadership in enhancing Type 2 Diabetes Care in Ireland, in 2020 she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

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Beyond her clinical work, Dr Harkins was deeply committed to medical education. A GP trainer since 1995, she mentored 26 GP registrars, shaping the next generation of family doctors. She also served as Chair of the National Association of Trainers in General Practice, where she played a key role in negotiating the National GP Trainers Contract.

Dr Harkins has also made significant contributions to the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), serving two terms on its Board. From 2017 to 2022, she chaired the Quality, Safety & Standards Committee, leading efforts to develop and implement quality measures for both GPs and patients. She is looking forward to taking up the role of President of the College for a one-year term commencing in May 2026, a role she is sure to relish and will carry out with her usual aplomb.

Reflecting on her career, Dr. Harkins said “I have been incredibly fortunate to serve as a GP in Banagher. It has been both a pleasure and a privilege to care for my patients and their families over the years. The connections I’ve built with my patients are something I will deeply miss. I am also grateful to have worked alongside such wonderful colleagues and a truly supportive team.”

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Dr Shane Carroll, her GP partner, paid tribute to her legacy: “General practice has changed tremendously during Dr Harkins’ career. Through both challenges and progress, she remained unwavering in her commitment to providing the highest quality care to all her patients. She was the driving force behind the construction of the Banagher Primary Care Centre, which opened in 2021 - her lasting legacy to the community. We have been privileged to work alongside Velma and are truly inspired by her compassion, knowledge, and dedication. Velma, we wish you a long and happy retirement!”

Practice Manager Diane FitzGerald added: “Velma’s commitment to both the staff and the people of Banagher has been extraordinary. She will be deeply missed, but we wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement.”

Dr Harkins leaves behind a remarkable legacy of patient care, medical education, and healthcare advocacy. Her impact on general practice, diabetes management, and GP training will be felt for years to come.