GPs are facing abuse because they can’t take on new patients.
A shortage of General Practitioners means most surgeries are already at capacity.
GPs say reception staff are being verbally abused after telling patients they can’t join the surgery.
Around 30 per cent of GPs are over 60, but can’t retire because there aren’t enough trained practitioners to take over their patients, particularly in rural areas.
Dr. John Sheehan from the Irish College of Medical Practitioners says a GP surgery can only cope with so many patients.
“It’s very unfortunate for patients that there is a frustration they cannot access general practical services in certain parts of the country.
“Particularly for reception staff, who are doing their best to accommodate patients, but unfortunately when a practice reaches a certain level or certain number, this is what practices can cope with.
“A third of GPs are now over 60, and also our population has increased by over 40 per cent in the last 20 years, so this is producing extra strain in general practice.
“Particularly in rural areas and in towns, there is a huge shortage of GPs. Patients are moving to a town and are hoping to but have had difficulty getting in.
“The HSE really needs to come up with solutions.”
