Important update on moves to address Mayo's GP shortfall

Given the recommended number of GPs in Mayo is not being currently met, Mayo Councillor Michael Kilcoyne has called on HSE West to provide specific targets and timelines for increasing the number across the county.

"For instance," he elaborated, "how many GPs do you aim to have recruited and operational in the next 12 months and what is the plan to achieve this?"

In response, John Fitzmaurice, chief officer, Community Healthcare West, stated that all such vacancies in Mayo that have arisen in recent times have been advertised.

"Some have been filled by GMS GPs. Where this did not occur, GPs have been recruited through locum agencies.

"Therefore all medical card patients of GPs in the county, who have exited the GMS Scheme in recent times, have a GP at the present time.

"In an effort to fill some long term vacancies in Mayo, Roscommon and Galway, Community Healthcare West has recently submitted a proposal to the HSE at national level seeking approval for enhanced terms and conditions to apply to positions that are challenging to fill and a reply is awaited.

"It is hoped that if this proposal is approved, that such positions may prove to be more attractive to potential candidates than heretofore."