Surge in numbers attending hospitals and out-of-hours GP services

The SouthDoc out-of-hours service in Cork and Kerry has so far this year seen almost 10% more patients than during the same time last year. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Hospitals and out-of-hours GP services in Munster are once again seeing a surge in patient numbers, with additional pressures caused by the fall-out from the fire in Wexford General Hospital.

The SouthDoc out-of-hours service in Cork and Kerry has so far this year seen almost 10% more patients than during the same time last year, even allowing for the extra bank holiday, said SouthDoc medical director Gary Stack.