Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2006
21 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify her explanation of introducing a public only contract for consultants; if her proposal means that the consultant can only see public patients or if it is the equivalent of the present category 1 contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8334/06]
View answerProposals for a new employment contract for consultants working in the public health system were recently tabled by the management side in the context of the consultants' contract negotiations.
The new contract will be a first step towards the introduction of a consultant-provided service and the appointment of large numbers of dedicated public hospital and community based consultants, working in teams. This will be matched by a reduction in the number of non-consultant hospital doctors.
A consultant-provided service is dependent on consultants assuming a new role. The contract will set out the terms and conditions associated with employment as a consultant dedicated exclusively to the public health service. It will recognise consultants as senior employees with lead responsibility, within established best practice, for decisions on patient care and treatment.
The public only contract will differ from the existing category 1 contract. While the category 1 contract permits the consultant to charge private patients for treatment in the public hospital only, the new contract will not permit that. This will help to ensure that all patients, both public and private, will be treated in an equitable manner.
