GPs in two areas of Donegal are grappling with higher than average levels of demand, stress and pressure.
A new report on general practice in Ireland shows that West Donegal and Inishowen have a high proportion of under-pressure GPs based on public patient panel size.
North and East Donegal have relatively fewer GPs under constrained capacity, the report shows. At the same time, North Donegal was identified as having high numbers of public patients and relatively low numbers of GPs.
West Donegal was found to have a high concentration of single-practice GPs, which puts clinics at risk of closure.
Inishowen was found to have one of the highest proportions of GPs approaching retirement age.
Areas within Tipperary, Cork, Monaghan, and Donegal show a relatively higher contract age and thus, potentially an older GP population. At the same time, younger GPs are choosing to establish practices in West Donegal, Bandon and Mallow, Kilkenny, and South Tipperary, so that there is a new generation of doctors in place.
The research, published by the Department of Health today, shows that in 2022 GPs carried out 19 million consultations annually.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill welcomed the publication saying: “The government is working to improve healthcare so that everyone can get the care they need, when and where they need it. General practice is a key part of this plan. I am happy to support the release of the report “General Practice in Ireland: An Analysis of Supply & Demand”, which will help guide our review of general practice.
“We know there are challenges, and this report points out the problems and offers ideas on how to fix them, so that GP services stay accessible.
“In places where there aren’t enough GPs, we’ll work to make sure the growing number of healthcare workers are placed where they’re most needed. In areas facing capacity constraints, we will work to better match the available and growing workforce to local demographic requirements.”
