Six out of 10 GPs say patients delay visits due to recession

SIX out of every 10 GPs in Ireland believe patients are delaying visits to their doctor as a direct result of the economic downturn.

A national survey of 100 GPs across the country has found that 63% of respondents are convinced patients who should be accessing the service are delaying visiting their local doctor due to their current financial situation.

However, despite the concerning finding, almost the same number of GP respondents (58%) have said they are opposed to any attempt to force them to reduce their fees.