Rural Ireland Thinks: Half of those surveyed had two-day wait to see GP
A new survey reveals that over half of rural Irish residents face wait times of two days or more for GP appointments, despite government efforts to increase doctor numbers. The findings also highlight growing concerns regarding access to emergency departments and the rising cost of private health insurance.
Why it matters
The report underscores persistent systemic failures in rural healthcare infrastructure and the financial strain on citizens seeking medical care.
Despite their concerns over the public health service, 24% of respondents have cancelled or reduced their private health insurance because it is too expensive. Picture: iStock
More than half of people living in rural Ireland have had to wait two days or more to get a GP appointment, despite pledges to increase doctor numbers .
An Ipsos/B&A poll of people living in rural Ireland, on behalf of the Irish Examiner , also found more than a quarter of respondents do not feel they have access to an emergency department where they live as pressures grow from overcrowding.
Despite their concerns over health services, 24% of respondents said they have had to cancel or reduce their private health insurance because it is too expensive.
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