GP staff crisis escalates as hundreds near retirement

The ICGP estimate 6,000 doctors are needed, because with many choosing part-time work this would equal about 4,000 full-time doctors by 2028.At the moment the workforce is equal to 2,807 full-time GPs. Picture: iStock 

The HSE has spent over €1m on temporary GPs for Achill island as it is impossible to find permanent doctors, with towns in Clare, Kerry and north Cork also struggling to find GPs.

The Oireachtas Health Committee heard how the growing crisis in GP numbers is most affecting people in rural areas and poorer parts of large cities.