Government criticised over GP shortages in Mayo as hospital overcrowding persists

Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh has criticised the Government for failing to expand GP services in line with the county's growing population, warning that the shortage is forcing more patients to attend the Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital (MUH) and contributing to ongoing overcrowding.

Commenting on figures obtained by Sinn Féin, Deputy Conway-Walsh said that while Mayo's population has continued to grow, GP provision has not kept pace. According to the figures, Mayo had 89 GP contracts in 2025, an increase of two since 2020. However, the number of GPs holding medical card contracts fell from 81 to 78 over the same period.

Deputy Conway-Walsh said population estimates since the 2022 Census highlighted the need for greater investment in primary care services.

“This data confirms our access to GP services has not kept pace and shockingly reveals the number of GPs treating medical card holders has actually fallen since 2020,” she said.

She also argued that access difficulties extend beyond medical card holders, noting that the HSE is only required to assist medical card patients in finding a GP.

“The HSE only has an obligation to help medical cardholders find a GP. I’m contacted weekly by working people and young families who are left ringing practice after practice, to no avail, and others being forced to travel long distances just to see a GP.” she said.

Deputy Conway-Walsh said existing GP practices were under significant pressure to meet demand, adding that difficulties accessing primary care were placing additional strain on hospital services.

“Primary care is the front door of our health service, and when that door is closed, the pressure is pushed onto our hospitals," she said.

She stated that patients unable to secure a GP appointment often have no alternative but to attend the Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital, contributing to overcrowding and longer waiting times.

The Sinn Féin TD called on the Government to investigate barriers preventing GPs from establishing practices in rural areas and to increase GP capacity across Mayo.

“Our GPs provide a vital community service that we can sometimes take for granted until it is gone. Consistency of care and a close relationship with their local GP are important for people. Government must investigate and address any barriers preventing GPs from establishing surgeries in rural areas where they are now needed most.

“Government must also focus on increasing GP capacity across the county to ensure everyone – not just medical card holders – can access GP services, and to alleviate the overcrowding pressures at MUH,” she concluded.