The IMO is engaging with the HSE in relation to the current iteration of the endless cycle of crisis in our public health services.  Our position has been clear that the root of the problems patients and doctors are now experiencing is decades of underfunding in capacity and an absence of workforce planning.  We have been active across media and social media in addressing these issues and we sincerely thank all consultants who have so clearly articulated the real issues and the predictability that we are seeing in our hospitals.

 

In our meetings with the HSE we have reiterated the following points:

 

• The commitment of consultants is not the problem – the lack of resources and bed capacity to enable consultants to treat patients in a timely manner is the problem.  Capacity has not expanded to meet the increased need of the population.
• The consultant workforce has almost 950 vacancies and needs an additional 2000 consultants.
• We object strongly to the tone being used at this time about consultants without any acknowledgement of the fact that the vast majority of consultants routinely work over and above their contracted hours, provide on call cover in very tight rotas and work structured weekend.
• Any further ask of already overstretched and burnt out consultant body must be a request and not mandated and must bear in mind current levels of on call commitments and appropriate supports being in place to allow additional hours be undertaken.

 

Many consultants have contacted us about memos issued by management in regard to new rota arrangements and our Member Advisory Team are available to discuss with you any queries you have in this regard – please call 01 6767273 or email consultants@imo.ie.