Deprived areas have fewer GPs than well-off ones, doctors warn

Deep End Ireland made a submission to the Department of Health’s ongoing review of general practice. It called for a change in how medical card payments or capitation fees are made to attract young GPs to these areas. File picture

Younger patients in deprived city areas have illnesses more usual for people in their 80s, yet these places have fewer GPs than well-off ones, doctors have warned.

Dr Brid Shanahan is clinical lead with Deep End Ireland, a group of GPs working in the most disadvantaged communities across the country.