Growing concerns over access to GP services in Headford and its wider hinterland have prompted a local councillor to call on the HSE to allocate additional doctors to the area urgently.
Fianna Fáil councillor Mary Hoade has urged the HSE to appoint at least two extra GPs to serve Headford and the surrounding communities, warning that residents are increasingly struggling to secure basic medical care. The call follows a long-running issue in the area, where several long-serving GPs have retired in recent years without being replaced.
As a result, the number of GPs serving the catchment area, which includes Headford and the villages of Shrule, Kilmaine, Glencorrib, Claran, Cloughanover, Kilcoona, Caherlistrane, Annaghdown and Corrundulla, has fallen dramatically from six or seven doctors to just three.
“The area has only three GPs now,” Cllr Hoade explained. “A large number of my constituents simply cannot get a GP.”
With demand far outstripping supply, the remaining doctors are under what Cllr Hoade described as “extreme pressure”, as they attempt to meet the needs of a large and dispersed rural population.
“I want to compliment the GPs for the work they are doing,” she said. “They are doing everything they can in very difficult circumstances. I have been in contact with the HSE about this issue, but we urgently need additional doctors allocated to the area to relieve the pressure and ensure patients can access care when they need it.”
The shortage is causing significant anxiety among residents, particularly those with ongoing or complex medical needs. One local resident, who did not wish to be named, said they were “shocked and stressed” by the situation.
“I have long-term health needs, and I will need to have a GP in place by the time I need my next prescription or blood tests,” they said. “I am at a loss as to what happens now, or what to do next.”
Many residents have been left with little choice but to seek GP services in neighbouring towns such as Ballinrobe and Tuam. However, several have already been informed that practices in those areas are at full capacity and unable to accept new patients.
Cllr Hoade said the situation in Headford reflects a wider problem across rural Galway.
“In County Galway, there are already villages with no GP at all,” she said. “Headford covers a huge catchment area, and while we are extremely grateful for the doctors we have, it is simply not enough. The Government needs to acknowledge this and take action quickly.
“I am issuing a clear call to the HSE to appoint two additional doctors for Headford as a matter of urgency.”
