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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 6

Written Answers. - Hospital Doctors.

Alan M. Dukes

Question:

41 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to require all non consultant hospital doctors to undertake the advanced cardiac life support course and the advanced trauma life support course prior to undertaking work in accident and emergency departments of hospitals; and the reason there is currently no such requirement. [14391/00]

I do not set the standards or level of skills at a technical level for particular posts. Such requirements are determined by employing authorities in the light of the role and function of particular posts. However, non-consultant hospital doctors as doctors in training receive much of their experience on the ground from practical application. While I do agree that the advanced cardiac life support course and the advanced trauma life support course would be of benefit to junior doctors who are in training for positions in accident and emergency medicine, this is not necessarily the case for every junior doctor who spends time in an accident and emergency department and is training for another specialty.

Nonetheless, many non-consultant hospital doctors undertake these courses to increase their knowledge and skills. My Department funds a scheme where course fees and examination fees are reimbursed. This scheme is administered by the Postgraduate Medical and Dental Board and support for the advanced cardiac life support course and the advanced trauma life support course is available since 1998.

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