Doctor crisis deepens for Mayo rural community

BANGOR Erris is the latest casualty in a doctor crisis as the vacant GP position looks set to be unfilled, writes CLAIRE McNAMARA

Documents released under the Freedom of Information Act to The Connaught Telegraph confirms that only one applicant applied for the position. However, they are not eligible to be called for interview.

The HSE stated that whether or not the position will be re-advertised is under consideration at present.

Dr. Niklas Penzes, who served Bangor Erris since 2015, left the position last month to take up a new role in Co Galway.

Currently, Dr Enda Loftus, who works from the Glenamoy Health Centre, is covering the area for a six-month trial period.

Separately, GPs protested outside Leinster House in February over the Government's lack of investment in general practice.

The National Association of General Practitioners, the group who organised the demonstration and represent more than 2,000 GPs, said general practice had been "abandoned" by the Government and the community care system was collapsing following years of funding cuts.

Local councillor Gerry Coyle said it was a sad day for rural Ireland and hoped it would be re-advertised and filled in the near future.