HSE 'facing up to reality' of GP shortages in Mayo rural communities

The HSE is facing up to the reality of a shortage of GPs in rural communities across Mayo.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne sought information from the authority as to what active measures are being taken to achieve this ratio outlined by the Irish College of General Practitioners of 12 doctors per 10,000 of population for a safe level of primary care.

The response issued to him at the July meeting of the HSE West Forum said it is well recognised that there is currently an undersupply of general practitioners in the region, with a recruitment and retention challenge which is being addressed in a number of ways by the HSE.

He was informed the number of doctors being accepted for training under the GP Training Scheme has increased from 236 in 2021 to 350 in 2024 - up 48%.

The main area of concern is the challenge being faced in filling GP vacancies in rural areas, many of which are traditionally single handed practices.

Community Healthcare West has collaborated with the Irish College of General Practitioners to attract candidates to work in rural GPs through a Rural Fellowship Programme. Two positions were approved for the west but neither have been filled. It will be kept under review.

In addition, the 2023 GP agreement includes measures to try and maintain GP services in isolated communities and address the current challenges of filling vacancies in rural and deprived areas.