The IMO, along with other healthcare unions, are engaging with the HSE and the Department of Health regarding issues arising from the memo issued by Mr Bernard Gloster, CEO HSE, in respect of rostering of healthcare staff over an extended day and at weekends.  At a meeting yesterday it was agreed that no changes to rosters will take place over the next two weeks so as to allow for discussions with health sector unions as provided for in the Framework Agreement.

 

In respect of consultants the IMO position is that;

 

• Consultants are already providing services over seven days through scheduled work, on call arrangements and new rostering arrangements
• Significant investment is required in infrastructure, capacity and staffing levels so as to facilitate sustainable weekend work and to do otherwise will inevitably lead to a reduction in weekday services
• Contractual terms and Rostering Principles must be adhered to
• While discharge rates are an important metric it should not be at the expense of good medicine and maximising clinical outcomes for patients

 

We will continue to update members in relation  to the discussions with the HSE and Department of Health and in the meantime if you have any issues or require advice please contact consultants@imo.ie.