Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
LAST UPDATE | 19 Mar
PEOPLE ARE FINDING their local GPs under more and more pressure in recent years as a surge in population hasn’t been matched with an increase in GPs.
The Journal Investigates reported today that Ireland is one of few EU countries where the patient load of GPs has increased over the past decade.
This shortage is not evenly spread, with rural areas in Ireland worse affected.
Patients are feeling the impact of this, with Tadhg Crowley, an associate professor in general practice at UCD, telling us it is leading people to seek help elsewhere, “maybe not at the point that’s best for them”.
Whether this is going to the Emergency Department of local hospitals or, worryingly, as Crowley explained, “getting medical information from sources that wouldn’t be as reliable”, it can result in long-term continuity of care being eroded.
We’re interested in hearing about your experiences of the crisis in primacy care – for our Your Stories series that collects and publishes readers’ own stories.
Are GPs scarce in your area? Is it a struggle to be seen when you are sick? What impact has this had on you and your family?
If you have a story to share, please contact The Journal Investigates by emailing investigates@thejournal.ie
Describe your experience in a paragraph or two (around 200-250 words). We will reflect your experiences in a forthcoming article – and put what we learn to the Department of Health.
Please include your name and county, and let us know if you would prefer to remain anonymous.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say