Local patients are set to have a bigger choice of doctors in the community with the news that the number of GP training places is set to increase.
The HSE and the Irish College of General Practitioners have agreed to expand the number of GP training places by 30 per cent from this summer.
Galway East Fianna Fail TD Micheál Kitt says more GP training places is good news for County Galway communities.
“The HSE and the Irish College of General Practitioners have agreed a major expansion of the number of GP training places which should see an increase in the amount of doctors working in the community.”
He says the numbers of places will increase by 30 per cent from July.
“This increase is part of the Government’s commitment to improving primary care in the community which should in turn decrease the need to access hospitals and Accident and Emergency departments. This expansion will not cost the exchequer any addition funds.
“Emphasis will be placed on the areas of greatest need when deciding where the extra GP trainees will be placed, but any increase in numbers will have a positive knock-on effect in all areas