170 extra GPs will be needed in the Cork/Kerry region by 2040
The Economic and Social Research Institute says the additional doctors will be needed due to projected population growth
Rural locations in particular struggle to attract GPs due to the lack of cover, long hours and call outs
Cork based GP Dr John Sheehan says supports need to be improved in order to attract GPs to these areas
"There are supports that you can put in place - you can link smaller rural practices with bigger practices, so that there's some support there, both in terms of cover, but also terms of just clinical support and advice and having colleagues that you're not isolated. But it's also about if you take a day off for a wedding that you have someone else who can step in. It's those sorts of things that make it more attractive"
