Lack of GPs contributing to overcrowding at Mayo University Hospital
THE government’s failure to expand GP services in line with Mayo’s growing population is forcing more patients into the Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital and adding to overcrowding.
Commenting on figures obtained by Sinn Féin, Mayo Deputy Conway-Walsh said that while Mayo’s population is steadily growing, GP provision has failed to keep pace.
The county had just 89 GP contracts in 2025 - up by only two since 2020 - while the number of medical card GP contracts has actually fallen from 81 to 78.
Said Deputy Conway-Walsh: “Estimates since the last census in 2022 show Mayo’s population is growing, while this data confirms our access to GP services has not kept pace, and shockingly reveals the number of GPs treating medical card holders has actually fallen since 2020.
“This situation for non-medical card holders is no better. The HSE only has an obligation to help medical card holders find a GP. I’m contacted weekly by working people and young families who are left ringing practice after practice, to no avail, and others being forced to travel long distances just to see a GP.”
She continued: “Existing GPs are under extreme pressure to meet demand. Primary care is the front door of our health service and when that door is closed, the pressure is pushed onto our hospitals.
“People in Mayo who cannot access a GP have nowhere else to turn but the Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital, adding to persistent overcrowding and longer waiting times.”
Our GPs provide a vital community service that we can sometimes take for granted until it is gone, she commented. Consistency of care and a close relationship with their local GP are important for people.
“Government must investigate and address any barriers preventing GPs from establishing surgeries in rural areas where they are now needed most.
“Government must also focus on increasing GP capacity across the county to ensure everyone - not just medical card holders - can access GP services, and to alleviate the overcrowding pressures at MUH.”