Primary care can ease the pressure on Irish hospitals, according to care providers.

They have made several recommendations in Ireland’s first Primary Care Partnership document.

Almost half a million people are on hospital waiting lists, with nearly 45,000 waiting more than a year to see a consultant.

Dr Liam Glynn, chair of the No Doctor No Village Campaign, said that supporting primary care is essential.

“We know that for every euro you invest in primary care, you save €6 elsewhere in the healthcare system,” he said.

“And we also know that for extra GP per 10,000 patients, you reduce A&E attendances by 10% and hospital admissions by 7%, so these are really important figures, they are well recognised internationally, and we also know that in health systems around the world, the focus now is on strengthening primary care.”