Health Committee to discuss the issue of non-consultant hospital doctors with Minister for Health, James Reilly, TD
The issue of non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) will be discussed by the Committee on Health and Children at its meeting tomorrow, Thursday, 6th October at 11.30 am in Leinster House.
The Committee will be briefed by Dr. James Reilly, TD, Minister for Health, the HSE Director of Human Resources, the President of the Medical Council and the Council’s CEO.
Chairman of the Committee on Health and Children, Jerry Buttimer said: “Our meeting tomorrow is the first of three on this issue which has been identified as a priority for the Committee in its work programme. Earlier in the year there was widespread coverage of the shortage of NCHDs across the country, while the Minister instigated decisive action to recruit additional doctors we are now hearing of delays in the registration process. The Committee will be seeking explanations of any backlogs and we will want to hear proposals to overcome any delays in the administrative procedures whilst ensuring patient safety is the paramount consideration. Over the next three weeks the Committee plans on hearing the views of the Minister, the statutory bodies, and various groups representing the educators and medical practitioners involved in the area of NCHDs.
This series of meetings will also enable the Committee to discuss and examine associated topics such as:
The filling of junior doctor vacancies in some hospitals
European Commission warning to reduce working hours for junior doctors
On-going training and education plans for our junior doctors
Career path development to maximise the number of NCHDs remaining in the Irish health care system.”
The Committee will meet at 11.30 am on Thursday, 6th October in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000.
Committee Proceedings can be followed live at: http://www.oireachtas.ie/ViewDoc.asp?fn=/documents/livewebcast/Web-Live.htm&CatID=83&m=o