GPs chief warns ‘perfect storm’ is brewing for Connemara healthcare

The Lettermore man heading up Ireland’s largest representative body for General Practitioners has warned a “perfect storm” is brewing in health services across South Connemara and the Aran Islands.

According to President of the National Association of General Practitioners (NAGP), Dr Maitiú Ó Tuathail, retirement and resignations, and failure to secure replacements, will put lives at risk.

Unless action is taken, come September, Inis Oírr, Inis Meáin and Lettermore will be without a GP, said Dr Ó Tuathail.

This comes as Dr Ó Tuathail turned down an approach to take over from outgoing Lettermore GP, Dr Edward Harty, citing serious concerns about risks to patient safety.

“Eddie Harty is the GP in Lettermore and he is finishing up due to retirement. The position has been advertised twice and there have been no applicants.

“Large swathes of Galway and West Mayo could be left without a GP in 18 months – that’s the reality of the situation,” he said.

Speaking to the Connacht Tribune, Dr Ó Tuathail said the nationwide aging population of GPs, coupled with the on-call rota system doctors in Connemara must adhere to, makes filling these positions extremely difficult.

“The reason positions in the West are more difficult to fill is because the on-call system is so onerous – it is impossible if you have a young family,” he added.

Staffing issues at Carraroe ambulance base means that those GPs on call are often called to attend emergency situations across the region – despite not having the necessary equipment or support.

“The people of South Connemara are getting a Third World ambulance service and paying the same taxes as those on the East Coast who get a first class service,” said Dr Ó Tuathail.

■ For more on this story, see the print edition of the Connacht Tribune.

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