Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Doctors.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

636 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to ensure the availability of adequate medical staff in various hospitals, both public and private; if he has identified current areas of shortage in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24862/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

I am not aware of any difficulties in filling vacancies for consultant posts. The most recent figures on the level of vacancies of non-consultant hospital doctors in the public hospital service indicate that less than 3% of posts are currently vacant. The shortages occur mainly in the speciality of anaesthesia. My Department has been involved in a number of initiatives to improve the recruitment and retention of junior hospital doctors in the public health service.

With regard to the specific difficulties relating to the recruitment of doctors in the speciality of anaesthetics, a delegation recently visited India and Pakistan to recruit doctors for training posts in Ireland and to promote Ireland as a destination for further training for such doctors. The trip was very successful and should mean that all vacancies in anaesthetics will be filled in due course.

My Department, the Health Service Employers Agency and the Irish Medical Organisation have recently negotiated improved terms and con ditions for junior hospital doctors. These include a substantial increase in the rate of pay for overtime worked, a training package to be put in place amounting to IR£10 million and the appointment of a senior manager in each major hospital with specific responsibility to manage non-consultant hospital doctors hours. It is also important to note that the medical manpower forum is addressing the main service, training, research and career issues relating to junior hospital doctors.

The Deputy may also be aware that legislation was passed this year amending the Medical Practitioners Act to allow for temporary registration of doctors to be extended from five to seven years. I am confident that these measures will not only be helpful in retaining the NCHDs already in the health services but also attract more junior hospital doctors to work in our hospitals. With regard to medical cover for private hospitals, this is a matter for the hospitals concerned.