GP shortages threaten rural healthcare

The national shortage of GPs in Ireland has become a real problem in rural areas and has been compounded by the 30% emigration rate of newly qualified GPs

30% of newly trained Irish GPs emigrate to work abroad each year.

More than half of GP panel vacancies across Ireland are situated in rural areas.

Following questions posed in parliament by Independent TD for Offaly Carol Nolan, the HSE confirmed that of the 20 vacant GP panels nationally, 11 are in rural areas.