Southdoc to double its doctor numbers as flu cases surge 

In preparation for the ongoing surge, Southdoc is increasing available appointment slots. File picture: Eddie O'Hare

Southdoc, the out-of-hours GP service for Cork and Kerry, is doubling its doctor numbers for the next five weekends as fears grow that health services could struggle to cope with rising flu levels over Christmas.

The number of calls to Southdoc over the last two weeks was 15% higher than this time last year amid rapidly rising flu cases.