Rural GP shortages
Deputy McGrath warns of worsening rural health services, GP shortages and overcrowding in Tipperary hospitals. The Taoiseach says primary care centres are being opened, GP training has increased and rural recruitment remains difficult.
We are currently seeing a significant decline in rural health services across Ireland. A recent survey by the Irish Independent showed that more than 50% of GPs nationwide cannot accept new patients. The situation is worse in rural areas where two thirds of GPs are not taking on any new patients. Some patients have to wait up to three weeks for an appointment. In spite of our increased national health budget, we are witnessing a slow deterioration of health services, especially in rural communities. Last week, both hospitals in County Tipperary were overcrowded to an awful extent. University Hospital Limerick had more than 1,500 patients one day while there were 18 in Tipperary University Hospital in Clonmel. We need some action to be taken here. This has been going on in front of our eyes for ten years but it is very serious at the moment. There are ads on the radio telling people not to go to accident and emergency, but to go to the doctors as first call and to out-of-hours services. A lady last week told me she waited two and a half weeks. She was number 20 on the list when she rang on the waiting system and was told she had an appointment in two and a half weeks. That is insane. If you are sick, you need a doctor. We can get a vet within half an hour day or night, and we cannot get doctors.
Comment on this
There is something seriously wrong here. I am not blaming the doctors, but we need extra.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy. We are opening primary care centres all over the country, including in his constituency.
We have increased the number of GPs being trained every year to more than 300. Two GPs are now qualifying every year for every one who retires. I appreciate that is against the backdrop of a rising population and increased demand. There are particular challenges in disadvantaged parts of our urban areas and also in rural areas. The particular challenge in rural areas is that times have changed and GPs want to work in group practices so they can have a much better quality of life. That is understandable but it requires that we reflect that in the models for the future.