IMO welcomes warning from European Commission to reduce working hours
29th September 2011
The Irish Medical Organisation today welcomed the announcement by the European Commission that if Ireland continues to fail to ensure full compliance with EU rules on working hours of doctors in hospitals, they will be referred to the EU’s Court of Justice.
Dr. Mark Murphy, IMO NCHD Chairman said; “The HSE’s failure to ensure the health and safety of doctors through the reductions of onerous working hours required under the EWTD is yet another example of the HSE’s blatant disregard of NCHDs. The HSE continue to deny NCHDs their legal rights and in the process potentially compromise patient care and safety”
He said; “We continue to have a shortage of NCHDs here in Ireland and this is due to doctors leaving the Irish Health Service for better working and training conditions abroad. This results in added pressure and increased hours on those who remain. We very much welcome the announcement today.”
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