GP shortage leaves doctors working 'extraordinary' hours

Urgent action on the shortage of GPs in rural areas is required, a local TD has warned, stating that the existing doctors are working “extraordinary” hours, but that at the same time, patients are finding it very hard to get an appointment.

Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has called for the shortage of GPs across rural practices to be addressed and has asked his party colleague, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, to outline what is being done to encourage GPs into rural areas so that existing local doctors are not under as much pressure and can take necessary time off.

Deputy Troy said that while he welcomed Minister Donnelly's announcement that more than half a million people are set to benefit from free GP care for six-year-olds and seven-year-olds, he called on the minister to ensure practices can meet the demand.

“Rural GPs are under enormous pressure because of a shortage of GPs,” Deputy Troy said.

“Patients are finding it very hard to get an appointment with their GP.

“Doctors are working extraordinary long hours and are finding it very hard to take any time off.

“For patients it’s also causing difficulties because it is becoming increasingly difficult to get timely appointments with their GPs. This cannot continue – the issues facing general practice across rural Ireland needs to be addressed urgently."

Deputy Troy said the expansion of eligibility for GP visit cards was welcome; he urged the minister to put plans in place to ensure there will be enough GPs to meet demand.

Minister Donnelly, in response to Deputy Troy, said under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice has been increased by €211.6 million, adding that the practice support package for rural GP practices which was introduced previously has been increased by 10% under the agreement.

“The HSE is working with the ICGP on a programme to bring 100 non-EU GPs to Ireland in 2023 to help improve access to GP services, particularly in areas with limited access,” the Minister said.

“These new additional posts will work in general practice for a 2-year period following which they will be able to take up a General Medical Services contract. The programme commenced with 25 posts having started in January, and is progressing to meet the target of 100 additional non-EU GPs placements by year end.

The minister also said that a strategic review of General Practice will commence shortly and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.