Significant differences remain between the IMO and the HSE in relation to which measures should be taken to retain NCHDs, the IMO NCHD Committee leader has stated.
Dr Mark Murphy told IMN that a “constructive” meeting took place on Friday February 10 between the HSE and the IMO in relation to the retention issue and also the failure to implement the European Working Time Directive (EWTD).
However, differences remain between the bodies on what exactly should be focused on in order to address these issues, Dr Murphy said.
“The IMO’s position is that there is an inability within the HSE to appropriately retain, both current NCHDs in Ireland and also Irishtrained NCHDs exiting medical schools.”
Dr Murphy also stated that the HSE must stop the sporadic incidence of “renegade” managers within hospitals refusing to pay NCHD overtime, and also address NCHD morale.
Dr Murphy suggested that as part of an overall workforce strategy, a group should be convened that regularly analyses the number of NCHDs entering training schemes and looks atthese in terms of future consultant numbers.
At the meeting, the IMO also reiterated that it believes the recruitment of doctors from India and Pakistan is not the answer in addressing NCHD vacancies.
