Michael McHale , 2025-05-09 07:25:00
Programme to be introduced this summer and focus initially on doctors who work alone in isolated areas
Up to 239 GPs in rural and remote areas are to be provided with clinical cover of up to two weeks this summer as part of a new locum support initiative announced this week.
Under the arrangement, GPs in receipt of rural practice supports will now have access to a streamlined locum sourcing service. While the GPs themselves will cover the cost of the stand-in clinician, the HSE will bear the cost of securing the locum.
“Ensuring that GPs in rural and remote areas can access reliable locum cover is essential to supporting these vital healthcare providers, said Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that rural communities have consistent and dependable access to healthcare, when and where they need it.”
The programme has been developed under the terms of the 2023 GP Agreement between the Department of Health, HSE and the IMO, and aims to address a critical issue for rural GPs who often face significant challenges in securing cover for periods of planned leave.
While the initiative will be open to all GPs who receive rural practice supports, the initial focus of the programme will be on providing cover for the 130 clinicians who work on their own in isolated areas, where difficulty in finding a locum is often most keenly felt.
HSE relationship managers will reach out to each eligible GP to explain the support available, confirm interest, and assist in sourcing locum cover for up to two weeks during the summer period.
Following consultation with their HSE relationship manager, eligible GPs can submit a booking request form to a dedicated recruitment agency identified by the HSE. During the initial call, GPs will have the opportunity to specify the clinical skills and experience required for the locum to work independently during the leave period, so that a tailored match for the needs of their patients and practice can be found.
The HSE plans to gather feedback throughout the summer to review the programme’s impact, and will engage with relationship managers and the recruitment agency involves.
A final report on the programme will be developed after the summer, which will include insights into average leave durations, most frequently requested dates, and key learnings for future improvements.
