HSE rejects claim of a GP shortage in Mayo

HSE West has insisted there is not a shortage of general practitioners operating the medical card scheme in Mayo.

In response to a question raised by Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, the authority said GP vacancies exist in Achill and Charlestown - but they are both being filled temporarily.

Breda Crehan-Roche, chief officer, Community Healthcare West, explained that both posts are filled in temporary capacities by GPs employed through Locum Agencies.

"Therefore all GP positions in Mayo are filled either on a permanent or temporary basis so there is no shortage of GPs operating the medical card scheme in the county.

"However some GPs are reluctant to accept new patients due to their existing workload.

"The length of time that a medical card patient has to wait to get an appointment with their GP varies, depending on how urgent the appointment is, and how busy the practice is.

"Same day appointments are generally given in respect of urgent cases.

"Provision is also generally made in the appointments system to see emergencies as they arrive at the surgery.

"On occasions the GP may refer a patient directly to the emergency department of an acute hospital based on the information received over the phone.

"Patients should generally be seen or assessed by their GP before presenting at an emergency department.

"However patients are permitted to attend an emergency department without being assessed by a GP if they feel that their symptoms warrant urgent hospital care."