Donegal County Councillor Gerry McMonagle has expressed his concern about the number of GPs retiring in the county.
Councillor McMonagle, the chairperson of the Regional Health Forum West, said he was concerned that GP availability would meet the demand of patient capacity in the next five years.
He asked what steps are being taken to fill vacancies of retiring GPs.
Dermot Monaghan, Chief Officer, Community Healthcare Organisation outlined the numbers of retiring GPs in Donegal up until 2027.
He said “Three GPs in Donegal will reach retirement age by 2027 and another GP has given notice of their intention to take early retirement.
“In three of the Practices, steps have already been taken in order to ensure there are adequate GP Services to meet the future needs of the population in those areas.
“The Primary Care Unit continues to support GP Practices with succession planning, including advertising, interviewing and recruiting new GPs.”
He added “The Donegal GP Training Scheme is also providing additional GP training places in Donegal.
“This is in line with the Government commitment to expand the number of GP training places nationally, in an effort to meet the requirements of the future GP workforce.”
