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Medical Internships

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014

Wednesday, 30 April 2014

Questions (917)

Derek Nolan

Question:

917. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to ensure that medical interns in hospitals are properly shadowed and are not making decisions without the support of a senior doctor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19685/14]

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Written answers

All graduates of medical schools in Ireland are required by the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 to complete a 12-month internship in order to practise medicine. The purpose of internship is to provide medical graduates with on-site practical clinical training and responsibilities leading to the development of the professional and personal competencies that result in good patient care and provide a foundation for lifelong learning. Completion of internship leads to eligibility for registration on the Medical Council’s Trainee Specialist Division or General Division and for employment at SHO level in training or non-training posts. Intern training is provided by Intern Training Networks which are designated by the HSE and specifically recognised and accredited for this purpose by the Medical Council. Intern training is currently provided in acute hospitals, general practices and in one private hospital. The HSE has increased the number of Intern posts from 530 in 2007 to 680 in 2014 to accommodate increasing numbers of graduates of Irish medical schools.

Interns work as part of teams, each team comprising a number of interns, senior house officers, registrars and consultants. The intern’s role is a delegated one, and is always consistent with his/her clinical skills and competency, with patient safety as the priority. At all times, interns are working directly with, or under the direction and supervision of, a senior colleague.

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