Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 September 2012
18. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health following the recent agreement with consultants, if he has abandoned plans for a new grade of hospital doctor which it was hoped would provide a more clear career path for NCHDs; the action he will take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40969/12]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware I was examining the introduction of a new entry level consultant post that would provide an opportunity for clinicians to work autonomously with clinical responsibility for all aspects of their patients’ care. This initiative was in response to concerns about the large numbers of qualified Irish doctors travelling abroad, the career structure for doctors and the recent difficulties in filling non consultant hospital doctor (NCHD) posts in our hospitals.
As part of my deliberations I consulted, in the first instance, with the medical schools via the Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies. I met with representatives of the Forum last May concerning the proposal at which the NCHD representatives outlined their concerns regarding the proposed new grade. A survey of Higher Specialty trainees indicated that 75% of respondents did not agree with the proposal and 80% considered it would not incentivise them to return from abroad to work in Ireland. Last July the Forum Trainee Subcommittee, which includes trainee representatives from across all the postgraduate training bodies, formally responded to me indicating their strong opposition to the introduction of a new consultant grade on the grounds that it would not address the issue of doctor retention and has the potential to exacerbate the problem. They also considered that it would under utilise the trainees potential contribution to the Irish Healthcare System.
As an alternative to the introduction of a new entry level consultant post it has been decided to introduce new salary arrangements for future consultant appointments involving a 30% reduction in salary for future consultant appointees.
The new salary arrangements for future consultant appointments will facilitate the continuing appointment of consultants, which will benefit patients as well as offering job opportunities for NCHDs.
