Health

Have your say: Have you experienced longer waiting times for GPs lately?

If you work at a GP’s practice or have been struggling to get an appointment we’d like to hear from you

The health service is in the grip of a severe shortage of GPs. Photograph: PA
The health service is in the grip of a severe shortage of GPs. Photograph: PA
Fri Apr 14 2023 - 09:17

The health service is in the grip of a severe shortage of GPs.

“Too few GPs means waiting times for GP appointments, with at least 10 per cent of the population being unable to sign up with a GP because their patient lists are at capacity,” incoming Irish Medical Organisation president Dr John Cannon said on Thursday ahead of the body’s annual conference.

And an Oireachtas committee heard in December that changes to access would inevitably cause further waits for routine appointments.

As a patient, have you experienced higher wait times than you expected recently, or struggled to secure an appointment within a useful timeframe? Have you had to resort to A&E or another solution after facing difficulty being seen?

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Are you a GP under pressure to see increasing numbers of patients? Do you work at a GP’s practice and have a story to tell about the challenges facing services?

You can let us know what you think using this form.

Please limit your submissions to 400 words or less. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please indicate this in your submission – we will keep your name and contact details confidential.