Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 February 2013
206. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health in view of the widespread concern among NCHDs, if he will request HIQA to investigate compliance with the EU Working Time Directive on the grounds of patient and doctor safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7600/13]
View answerThe Government is committed to achieving compliance with the European Working Time Directive in respect of non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) by 2014. I have emphasised to the Health Service Executive the high priority the Government and I attach to this issue. In January 2012, a detailed plan for the achievement of compliance by NCHDs with the Working Time Directive was submitted to the EU Commission. The plan affirmed Ireland's commitment to achieving compliance with the Directive over a three-year time period i.e. by end 2014. It committed to implementing the measures necessary, including new work patterns for medical staff, transfer of work undertaken by NCHDs to other grades and the organisation of hospital services to support compliance. The HSE National Service Plan 2013 states that there will be a particular focus in the acute hospital service on the achievement of compliance with the European Working Time Directive amongst the non-consultant hospital doctor workforce. e Executive is currently finalising its National Operational Plan to support the implementation of the National Service Plan. This will specify in greater detail the actions to be taken in relation to EWTD compliance at hospital level.
The HSE was asked by my Department in January to ensure that clear responsibility is placed with a hospital CEO and a senior manager and/or clinical lead for the achievement of specified improvements in compliance, such that the end 2014 target will be met. The Minister may give directions in writing to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) under the Health Acts. However, the position is that HIQA wrote to the HSE on 24th January 2013 in relation to concerns that there may be risks to patients as a result of NCHDs working in excess of 48 hours per week. In the circumstances outlined, and in particular the measures in train to address compliance with the Directive, I do not intend to intervene as the Deputy suggests.
