Shortage of GPs leaving Mayo with a big health system headache

Mayo has just 71 GPs for every 100,000 people, one of the lowest levels in the country.

Medical experts believe we should have somewhere in the region of 100 to 110 GPs per 100,000 people.

That means Mayo is operating well below the level needed to provide the care people deserve, according to Castlebar Independent Councillor Harry Barrett.

He elaborated: "The result is plain to see. People are waiting longer for appointments, GPs are under relentless pressure, and many patients end up in the emergency department in Mayo University Hospital because they cannot access a family doctor in time.

"The shortage is especially obvious here at weekends. There simply are not enough GPs to keep covering out-of-hours rotas while also looking after their own practices during the week.

"That places huge pressure on doctors and leaves patients with fewer options when they become ill.

"It also means the continuity of care we all value is being lost. Patients should be able to see a GP who knows their medical history and can spot changes in their health over time. When practices are stretched to breaking point, that becomes much harder.

"We cannot solve the overcrowding crisis at Mayo University Hospital without first fixing the shortage of GPs in our communities.

"If people cannot get an appointment with their own doctor, many will have no choice but to attend an already overcrowded emergency department.

"The government must urgently put a plan in place to recruit and retain more GPs in Mayo before this situation gets any worse."