Vol. 525 No. 2
171 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children his response to the recent survey carried out by the Irish Medical Organisation on doctors attitudes which showed disillusionment with medicine as a career; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24530/00]
199 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on reports that 20% of doctors are leaving medicine. [24475/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 199 together.
I am aware of the findings of the recent Irish Medical Organisation survey and of the current difficulties being experienced by some hospitals in recruiting and retaining non-consultant hospital doctors – NCHDs. The Deputies may be aware that the medical manpower forum was established to address medical staffing difficulties in hospitals and the forum's report will address the issues of the working conditions, training programmes and career posts for NCHDs.
Furthermore, the recent agreement, negotiated by my Department, the Health Service Employers Agency and the Irish Medical Organisation, will substantially improve the working conditions of NCHDs. This agreement includes 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 for the management of NCHD hours.
I am confident that the measures I have outlined here will have a positive effect on the recruitment and retention of NCHDs.
