The level of demand for SouthDoc - the out of hours GP service - is rising annually in the face of an ageing workforce population.
More than a quarter of GPs in Cork and Kerry are over 60, and attracting other doctors to replace them in rural areas is difficult as there's a greater onus on them for out-of-hours service than in urban areas.
The growth in the SouthDoc service is also leading to burnout among some doctors who continue to provide a day time service before taking up their out of hours.
Changes in the service from the New Year will see an enlarged rota for GPs which is hoped will future proof the SouthDoc service.
Its Chairman, Dr. Andrew Crosbie told RedFM News that they had no choice but to make the changes:
