Would higher salaries solve the nation’s looming GP shortage?
With a population that is both growing and aging, demand for GP care is set to rise in the years ahead.
However, many rural practices are struggling to recruit, with young doctors in particular keen to work in urban areas.
On The Hard Shoulder, Ennis-based GP Dr Máire Finn said many of her patients now travel a significant distance to come and see her.
For some, that is a choice they have made; however, for others, it is because of a lack of local care.
“These manpower issues within general practice have been flagged for a long time,” she explained.
“Smaller practices in the more rural areas - areas along the West Coast in particular - there are a lot of the GPs are retiring or of retiring age.
“They are not being replaced because people aren't willing to actually kind of take on these smaller lists.
“So, as a result, people travel the long distance from Lisdoonvarna, for instance, to come into Ennis to come and see us.”
Homes in rural Ireland. Picture by: Alamy.com. Dr Finn continued that public transport is “very poor” in the west of Ireland especially, which only adds to the difficulties people have accessing healthcare.
She added that the Government needs to “think outside the box” when it comes to increasing rural access to healthcare.
“Currently, if we don't change the system that we have here in Ireland now, it's not going to attract younger GPs,” she said.
“First of all, there's fewer number of them starting, but we have taken a massive input and take of young GPs in the last year.
“But they don't want to work in these kind of remote areas where they feel they don't have the backup, the services, the family services, maybe the housing, maybe planning permission.”
While Dr Finn admitted she is “not sure” exactly what what the solution is, but described herself as “open to suggestions”.
“I know more GPs coming out has to be an improvement - money is always good.
“But I mean, it's not about money; it's about quality of life and it's about being able to produce a quality of life that supports a young family.”
Main image: A GP with an elderly patient. Picture by: Alamy.com.
