Sherlock calls for urgent action on GP cover and services

Cork East TD Seán Sherlock has asked the Government to intervene to deal with GP shortages across North Cork.

“I am receiving a lot of calls from people who find it increasingly difficult to get timely in person appointments with their GPs,” said Deputy Sherlock.

“I’m very conscious of the fact that GPs are under tremendous pressure. The lack of supply of GPs and locums is having a knock in effect throughout our community. I am pressing the government to give more attention to the fact that we need a throughput of GPs to meet demand. We need a supply of locum GPs so that if a GP is not available, that there is a somebody there to fill in for them to take on their list.

“The Government really does need to give more energy to this issue. I am receiving more calls from people and that they’re increasingly challenged when it comes to getting to see their own GP, then there’s an issue there that has to be addressed.

“We also need to ensure that out of hours services remain within places like Fermoy and Mitchelstown. We can’t afford to lose capacity in out of hours services,” Minister Sherlock noted.