GP shortage in Leitrim caused by 'sparse population in rural regions in the North West'
Areas of Leitrim, Donegal, North Mayo parts of Cavan have smaller populations spread over large geographic areas, combined with an ageing GP workforce which makes recruitment and succession planning difficult, the report said.
Leitrim has one of the biggest shortages of GPs in Ireland, according to a new report by the Irish College of GPs.
The report stated that sparse population in rural regions in the North West and the Border point to potential long-term sustainability challenges for general practice.
Areas of Leitrim, Donegal, North Mayo parts of Cavan have smaller populations spread over large geographic areas, combined with an ageing GP workforce which makes recruitment and succession planning difficult, the report said.
Some patients are reporting that practices are closed to new patients and they cannot register with a family doctor, while others face delays in securing appointments.
The College said there 4,600 in practice but that over 6,000 are needed.
The population has increased by 9% in the last decade and the GP workforce has grown by 10% in that time, which the College said has just kept pace with the population rise.