Irlanda - noticias y eventos

Getting a GP appointment is becoming increasingly difficult for many people in Ireland, especially outside the country's biggest cities. A new report from the Irish College of General Practitioners warns of severe shortages in rural communities, fast-growing suburbs and some disadvantaged urban areas, estimating that the country needs more than 6,000 GPs despite having only around 4,900 at the end of last year. Doctors say rapid population growth, an ageing population and an ageing medical workforce are stretching primary care beyond its limits, forcing some rural patients to wait weeks for appointments or turn to emergency departments instead. When healthcare can't keep pace with where people live, even a routine check-up can become a long journey.