DONEGAL GP and newly appointed President of the Irish Medical Organisation, Dr Denis McCauley has voiced his alarm at waiting lists in the country’s hospitals.
Dr McCauley made his comments at the weekend when addressing the IMO Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Killarney.
He spoke of the chronic shortage of beds, consultants and GPs which have left thousands of people without the care they need.
The Stranorlar-based GP warned that not enough is being done about the crisis in healthcare.
He said doctors are “working with one hand tied behind their back” due to these shortages.
He told of how hospitals now operate “full capacity protocols” all year round instead of only in winter, as they move patients around to cope with overcrowding.
Dr McCauley said consultant shortages are compounding the issue.
“One in five consultants posts aren’t filled and there are gaps in key specialities across the country,” he said.
“So yes, we have a new contract and many consultants have signed up to it but the shortages remain and are acute.”
He also spoke about respecting doctors in order to retain them.
He cautioned doctors are “working illegal and unsafe hours” and warned: “If you don’t respect them, they won’t stay.”
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