Towns across north Cork are struggling to find GPs.
The Oireachtas Health Committee has heard how the growing crisis in GP numbers is hitting hardest in rural areas and the situation is set to get worse as up to 500 GPs are nearing retirement.
In North Cork towns, the number of GPs has fallen from 18 to 12 and the situation in Skibbereen was also highlighted as the town has lost what was described as a " substantial number of GPs".
The Irish College of General Practitioners says many practices cannot take on new patients, and waiting times are increasing for non-urgent care.
In many cases doctors cannot find replacements during sick leave or holidays, which is pushing them out of rural areas.
The Department of Health is currently preparing a task-force on the future of general practice and is expected to begin work in January.
Speaking to RedFM News, Medical Director of the Irish College of General Practitioners, Dr Diarmuid Quinn says the enormous work-load, out of hours commitment and geography of the area isn't attracting young GPs to North Cork.
"The population of Cork northwest is increasing, which is fantastic for the area.
"This is driven by affordable property prices.
"These new arrivals, many of them are young couples with children simply cannot register with a GP practice. This is causing a huge problem for these patients, GPs and the entire community across Cork northwest."
