'Growing population and longer life expectancy demands greater investment in health infrastructure' 

Dr Denis McCauley described the relationship between patients and their doctors as 'foundational' to the health services. Picture: NW Newspix

People are living longer and their needs must be matched by greater investment in health infrastructure, the Irish Medical Organisation's (IMO) incoming president has said.

Speaking as the IMO’s annual general meeting opens on Thursday, Dr Denis McCauley warned the HSE recruitment freeze was exacerbating problems "and posing enormous strain on a system already under pressure".

“Growing population and longer life expectancy demands greater investment in health infrastructure and workforce to meet the needs of patients and this is simply not happening at the speed that is required.” 

He called for rapid and significant funding in infrastructure and workforce as the population in Ireland continues to increase.

He described the relationship between patients and their doctors as “foundational” to the health services.

We have too few doctors and we have concerns that we are moving to a model of fragmented care where patients are not best served.

“The value and expertise of doctors, after years of training, should not be undermined but supported, encouraged, and resourced.” 

He noted the advent of new posts such as physician associates and said while they have a role to play, “they cannot replace doctors” here.

“There have been a number of controversies in the NHS arising from the growing use of physician associates in place of doctors as opposed to in a supporting role to doctors so if they are to be deployed in the Irish system, it is vital that their role is regulated and limited,” he urged.

He said the IMO wanted to ensure patients were at the centre of the health services. 

However, he added: “We must have enough doctors in the system to diagnose and treat them.”  

“There is a global shortage of doctors, and we must redouble our efforts to ensure we are enabling doctors to do the job for which they have trained for so long,” he said.

“That means a work environment that is well resourced and has the capacity to meet the needs of patients.” 

The annual general meeting takes place in Killarney over three days.

Doctors from various specialties will also hear from Health Minister Stephen Donnelly on Friday, and HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster on Saturday.

Motions to be debated include the recruitment freeze, the need for manpower planning, the dangers of disinformation online and the risks to young people’s mental health as well as mental health issues in general.

Doctors will also hear presentations from experts on obesity, alcohol in society and vaccination.