'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".