A North Clare GP admits there will be increased pressure on health services in smaller communities who’ve welcomed Ukranian refugees.
Dr Michael Kelleher says GP services have been at capacity and under strain since before the pandemic with a shortage of close on 1,200 GP across the country, a growing population and growing numbers of elderly with complex care needs.
There are now around 2,000 Ukranians currently living in this county, mostly in the Lisdoonvarna, Kilkee, Liscannor and Ennis areas, with HSE services now in place in Lisdoonvarna, manned by doctors who have been redeployed and GP’s who’ve volunteered their time.
Dr Kelleher says there is no lack of willingness by GP’s to help out in any way they can, but he admits small communities will feel additional strain and that there’s no quick fix.
